The government is refusing to release the figures despite being ordered to by a watchdog. A searing ruling by the Information Commissioner said chiefs had acted unreasonably after not publishing any figures for 3 years. But instead of giving in, the Department for Work and Pensions is fighting its own watchdog to get the decision overturned.

Furious benefits campaigners now want to know what the government is trying to hide. Retired welfare advisor Maggie Zolobajluk, 63, launched a petition which 60,000 people signed in a few days.

Why doesn't Iain Duncan Smith want to publish these figures? she said. It gives the impression he's got something to hide. Ms Zolobajluk worked for the Citizens' Advice Bureau for 7 years while the Tories were introducing their welfare reforms. The changes saw some people told to find work despite having chronic illnesses - some of whom died before getting their benefits back.

I can see marches etc and trouble.If people can prove the state is to blame for such deaths etc .someone is going to have to pay the price for it,sooner or later .

Disabled Mark Wood starved to death four months after his benefits were cut, an inquest heard. The frail and vulnerable 44-year-old weighed just 5st 8lbs when he was found. He had been declared fit to work by Atos, leaving him struggling to survive on just 40 a week, despite numerous health problems.

He had Asperger syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder, in addition to cognitive behavioural problems, including a phobia of certain foods. His GP Nicolas Ward told Oxford coroners court yesterday: He was an extremely fragile individual who was coping with life.

Something pushed him or affected him in the time before he died and the only thing I can put my finger on is the pressure he felt when his benefits were removed. Dr Ward added that he had not been contacted by Atos the French-based firm that carries out benefit assessments or the Department for Work and Pensions about his patients medical history. He told the court that, had he been asked, he would have ruled him unfit for work.

Following last Aprils assessment, Mark, described as gentle and sweet, lost his housing benefit and employment support, leaving him just 40 a week disability allowance not even enough to cover his rent or utility bills. Marks mum Jill Gant, from Abingdon, said the family knew nothing of his money problems until a few weeks before his death. She gave him 250, but said that by then it was too late.

A spokesman for Atos Healthcare said: We carry out assessments as professionally and compassionately as possible. A DWP spokesman added: A decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken only after thorough assessment......lol

Tom Pollard, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Mind, said: We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mark Wood. Unfortunately this tragic case is not an isolated incident. We hear too often how changes to benefits are negatively impacting vulnerable individuals, who struggle to navigate a complex, and increasingly punitive, system.