Consultation Action Update

This article provides a brief update on the actions I have taken against the Department for Work and Pensions following the government’s publication of its findings on last year’s consultation regarding welfare system reform.

This article provides a brief update on the actions I have taken against the Department for Work and Pensions following the government’s publication of its findings on last year’s consultation regarding welfare system reform.

Context
This relates to my involvement in a government department consultation that took place during the spring of 2025. It concerned proposals to reform the welfare system to encourage more people with disabilities and health conditions into employment.
As part of my contribution, I published two documents to provide insight and analysis of the proposals. These documents are available to download and read on a participation webpage.

Select the link below to the Publications page

In October 2025, the government published its findings. However, I found that none of my contributions to the consultation appeared to have been considered in the final report.

As a result, in December 2025, I submitted a complaint against the department regarding the handling of my participation in the consultation. This subsequently led to a complaint being raised with you in late January 2026.

Update
In March 2026, I received a response; however, it was largely generic. In the letter, the Department for Work and Pensions explained the process behind the development of the consultation and its findings.
Although they stated that they do not respond to individuals who take part in consultations, they reassured me that every person’s input is fully considered, including my own participation.

This article is linked with development catergories:

Awareness & Particiapation

Notice to editors

Keith Mckenzie
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant
With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.
Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000 , he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also am involved with salsa classes in the local community
as an assistant. I also have participated in major dancing conventions in Birmingham's, including Motion City (created by Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity) during the summer and Latinmotion's NYE Fest during the New Year public holiday.
In 2022. Keith became a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the Commonwealth Games