DWP chief QUITS after benefits scandal that plunged carers into debt

The chief of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced he will step down after thousands of unpaid carers were left with huge debts caused by systematic failures under his watch.

Sir Peter Schofield, the permanent secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, told staff on Monday that he will leave his role in July due to personal reasons.

The DWP came under fire after The Guardian uncovered thousands of carers who claimed Carer's Allowance had been left unpaid, unfairly leading to workers being left with hefty bills.

Some claimed they had also been harassed for money by officials, while others were convicted of benefit fraud.

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The newspaper found that leadership shortcomings had been to blame for the scandal.

Some carers were said to have been left feeling suicidal, with one described as like being "at the whim of a faceless machine".

The DWP has insisted the chief's departure was unrelated to recent criticism of his departure.

In his email to staff, Sir Peter said: "There is never a good moment to step away from a job like this, but having passed my eight-year anniversary, now feels like a good time to pause and reflect on what I want to do next while spending more time with my family."

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