Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for the Terminally Ill

Monday 29 June 2020 · 1 question

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

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John Lamont asked the Minister about scrapping the three-year limit on awards under special rules for people with MND and other terminal illnesses.
  • The Minister thanked John Lamont and acknowledged Doddie Weir's campaign on this issue.
  • The Minister stated that they are reviewing all areas of the special rules but emphasized three key themes in addressing the six-month life expectancy rule.

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Questions & Answers

Context

The Government launched a review of the welfare system's support for those with terminal illnesses in July 2019.

Question

John Lamont asked about Doddie Weir, a former Scotland rugby player campaigning on the issue, whether the Minister would consider scrapping the three-year limit on awards under the special rules to prevent distressing situations for people suffering from MND and other terminal illnesses.

Answer from Justin Tomlinson (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)

The Minister thanked John Lamont for raising this issue, acknowledging his constituent Doddie Weir's campaign. He mentioned that they are reviewing all areas of the special rules but emphasized three key themes: addressing the six-month life expectancy rule without maintaining the status quo, improving consistency in how benefits are awarded, and increasing awareness to ensure that those who qualify know what is available.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly commit to scrapping the three-year limit on awards under the special rules.

How: Did Not Commit To Specific Action

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