Rules for Terminal Illness Review 2021-06-28
2021-06-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department announced a review nearly two years ago, and the findings have not been published despite previous promises. The delay has caused distress to many who rely on these benefits.
If her Department will publish the findings from its review of the special rules for terminal illness before the summer 2021 parliamentary recess. Last July, the Minister said it would be published shortly; today, he says, “in due course”. In the meantime, many have died while waiting for benefits decisions. How long do we have to wait until the Government scraps the six-month rule?
The Department is committed to publishing the outcome of the evaluation, which will raise awareness of support, improve consistency with other services, and change the six-month rule. We will be able to make changes very, very soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for publishing findings and scrapping the six-month rule was not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department announced a review nearly two years ago, and the findings have not been published despite previous promises. The delay has caused distress to many who rely on these benefits.
If her Department will publish the findings from its review of the special rules for terminal illness before the summer 2021 parliamentary recess. Last July, the Minister said it would be published shortly; today, he says, “in due course”. In the meantime, many have died while waiting for benefits decisions. How long do we have to wait until the Government scraps the six-month rule?
The Department is committed to publishing the outcome of the evaluation, which will raise awareness of support, improve consistency with other services, and change the six-month rule. We will be able to make changes very, very soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for publishing findings and scrapping the six-month rule was not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's disability strategy has been delayed for two years, and there is concern that it may contain only warm words without real action. Disabled people are hoping for radical policies to improve their lives.
Like the review of the special rules for terminal illness, the Government's disability strategy has been much delayed. After two long years, we are told to expect it “soon”. Disabled people are hoping for radical policies that will improve their lives. However, many fear it will contain warm words and platitudes but no real action. Can the Minister convince us that his strategy will be published with a fanfare and not just a whimper?
Absolutely. The Department is working on proposed changes to SRTI; our forthcoming health and disability Green Paper, which looks at both disability benefits and support and employment, of which record amounts have been delivered; and our national strategy for disabled people with the Prime Minister's personal support, aiming to bring genuine cross-Government focus to create more inclusivity and remove barriers. All are due very soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timelines not provided, focus on broad commitments instead of concrete measures
Response accuracy