Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

The Terminal Illness (Services) Bill - Clause 1 and Clause 2

18 November 2022 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Alex Cunningham Lab Stocksbridge Parkgate

EnergyNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alex Cunningham raised concerns about the terminal illness (services) bill - clause 1 and clause 2 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about amending eligibility criteria for energy support schemes to include terminally ill individuals in their last year of life.
  • The proposed amendment aims to provide financial support to terminally ill people, particularly those of working age, without substantial cost to the government or utility companies.
  • No specific asks of the government or commitments made by the government are recorded.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Alex Cunningham Lab Stocksbridge Parkgate

I am moving to amend the eligibility criteria for energy support schemes such as the Warm Home Discount and Energy Company Obligation, extending automatic eligibility to those thought to be in their last year of life. This would ensure that terminally ill people, especially of working age, receive necessary financial support without costing the Exchequer or burdening utility companies significantly. The goal is to alleviate poverty and improve well-being for individuals facing terminal illnesses.

Other contributors (4)
  • Alex Cunningham Lab Stocksbridge Parkgate

    The Bill seeks to amend eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount and Energy Company Obligation, extending automatic eligibility to terminally ill individuals. It aims to prevent financial hardship and poverty among those with terminal illnesses through statutory protections and energy support measures.

  • George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk

    Minister for Science, Research and Innovation supported the Bill's objectives but emphasised the need to identify bad practice while encouraging good business practices. He highlighted government support such as energy price guarantees, warm home discount, and ECO schemes aimed at helping vulnerable households. The Minister also discussed employment rights under the Equality Act 2010.

  • Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central

    He congratulates Alex Cunningham on his bill and acknowledges the importance of addressing poverty-related deaths, highlighting the need for quick action. He supports clauses related to warm home discount and energy company obligations. Esterson agrees with the Minister's stance that a tribunal is not appropriate for terminally ill workers and welcomes the objective to allow such workers to continue working as long as possible.

  • Chris Clarkson

    He congratulates Alex Cunningham on bringing forward this Bill.

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