Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Welfare (Terminal Illness)

22 July 2020 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Jessica Morden Lab Newport East

Benefits & Welfare

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jessica Morden raised concerns about welfare (terminal illness) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Jessica Morden moved to amend legislation requiring medical proof of six months or less to live for accessing higher benefits quickly.
  • The debate highlighted the distress caused by the three-year award rule, which forces terminally ill individuals to reapply for benefits if they survive beyond three years.
  • Over 8,000 people who died within six months of making their claim had their application disallowed, including more than 3,680 who died within three months of disallowance.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jessica Morden Lab Newport East

Jessica Morden moved to amend the current legislation that obligates someone to provide medical proof they have six months or less to live in order to access benefits quickly and at a higher rate, as well as address the three-year award rule which forces terminally ill people to reapply for benefits if they live longer than three years after the benefit is awarded. She highlighted distress and anguish caused by these rules to individuals and families dealing with terminal illnesses such as motor neurone disease or advanced lung conditions. Morden also emphasised that 10% of those who died within six months of making their claim had it disallowed, amounting to nearly 8,000 people, including over 3,680 who died within three months of their application being disallowed.

Other contributors (2)
  • Jessica Morden Lab Newport East

    Morden discussed the six-month rule and the three-year award as deeply unfair rules causing distress for those with terminal illnesses. She referenced a High Court ruling in Northern Ireland declaring the six-month limit discriminatory and unjustified, alongside clinical guidance suggesting medical practitioners should make judgments on eligibility based on progressive disease rather than time-limited criteria. Morden also called for changes to ensure terminally ill claimants receive indefinite awards instead of maximum three-year limits.

  • Justin Tomlinson Party Not Specified

    Tomlinson indicated assent, without providing specific details or arguments in favour of or against the motion.

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