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Pensions (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill - Clause 2 - Extent and Commencement
17 May 2024
Lead MP
Therese Coffey
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
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Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Therese Coffey raised concerns about pensions (special rules for end of life) bill - clause 2 - extent and commencement in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key Requests to Government:
Amendment 1 agreed to.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The amendment aims to bring the provisions of the Bill into force four months after Royal Assent. This is to prevent any potential delay due to a general election and ensure that the critical provisions, which provide financial support up to six months earlier for those with terminal illnesses, can be implemented swiftly.
Nigel Evans
Ind
Waveney
Supports the amendments and explains their implications, stating they are consequential on Amendment 1.
Tewkesbury
Agrees with the amendments proposed by Dr Coffey to ensure that the Bill can be implemented quickly without any unnecessary delay. Expresses satisfaction with the agreement reached.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Expresses concern about the potential precedent set by the amendments, suggesting a 'bulldozer approach' that might not be suitable in more complex circumstances. Seeks reassurance from the Minister regarding future implications.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Supports Dr Coffey's amendments, highlighting their importance for those in terminal illness. Explains that similar commencement dates are not unusual and reassures the House about the practicality of implementation within four months.
Tewkesbury
Mr. Laurence Robertson supports extending the definition of 'terminally ill' to twelve months for pension compensation, aiming to alleviate financial stress for those diagnosed with terminal illnesses whose pension schemes have become insolvent.
Therese Coffey
Con
Suffolk Coastal
Ms. Therese Coffey supports the Bill, highlighting its alignment with NHS and social security reforms that extend the definition of 'terminally ill' to twelve months. She advocates for the rapid passage of this legislation.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Westminster North
Ms. Nickie Aiken supports extending the definition of terminal illness in pension schemes to twelve months, aligning with existing NHS and social security definitions, ensuring terminally ill individuals receive necessary financial support.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Supports the Bill as it aims to provide financial support for terminally ill individuals whose pension schemes have become insolvent, expanding eligibility from those with less than six months to live to those with less than 12 months. Emphasises the devastating impact of terminal illness and highlights that one in four people diagnosed with a terminal illness spends their last years in poverty, with additional costs ranging between £12,000 to £16,000 per year for a household. Questions why more work was not done to check consistency when the Act was put on the statute book.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
The Bill builds on previous legislation that fast-tracked claims for individuals with less than a year to live. It ensures consistency in definitions across social security benefits, Pension Protection Fund, and financial assistance scheme, providing financial support earlier during difficult times.
Tewkesbury
The Bill was praised for its cross-party support. The Minister acknowledged the importance of setting a date for commencement to provide certainty, and thanked all involved in advancing this legislation.
Government Response
Government Response
The Minister supports Dr Coffey's amendments, emphasising their importance for timely provision of financial support to those with terminal illnesses. She reassures the House that there is no need for delay due to current arrangements.
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Assessment & feedback
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