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The Terminal Illness (Services) Bill - Clause 1 and Clause 2
18 November 2022
Lead MP
Alex Cunningham
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
EconomyEnergy
Other Contributors: 4
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.
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
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.
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.
He congratulates Alex Cunningham on bringing forward this Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
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