The effect of benefit sanctions are of wider public importance and matters of significant public concern.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the sister of a 59 year-old ex-soldier who died in 2013 after he was ‘sanctioned’ by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are calling for an inquest into his death.

In submissions to the Hertfordshire Coroner sent on 28 October 2016, law firm Leigh Day have argued that a fresh investigation should be opened into the death of David Clapson, from Stevenage, on the basis that he died an unnatural death due to the imposition and effects of the benefit sanction imposed on him shortly before and in force at the time of his death.