Inquest finds mother took overdose after removal of benefits

Coronor says Philippa Day's experiences with DWP were predominant factor' in her decision

A severely mentally ill young mother died from a deliberate overdose after the removal of her disability benefits left her destitute, trapped in a months-long state of high anxiety and haunted by suicidal thoughts, an inquest has concluded.

The coroner, Gordon Clow, said Philippa Day's long struggle with the benefits system had been a stressor" in her decision to take the overdose in August 2019. She was found unconscious at home by her sister and father, and died in hospital two months later after not recovering from a coma.