2000

What: Timothy was found starved to death at his home in Batley. His benefits had been stopped automatically after he failed to respond to letters posted to him by the Benefits Agency, asking him to comply with certain conditions.

Why significant: A coroner at his inquest found that neglect by what was then the Benefits Agency had contributed to his death. As a result of the case, the DSS introduced new rules which civil servants were supposed to follow when a “vulnerable” person was about to have their benefits sanctioned.