Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Terminally Ill People Welfare Support

2020-09-14

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TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Cat Smith Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
▸ Context
In July 2019, the Department announced a review to assess how well the welfare system supports terminally ill individuals. The review faced delays due to the pandemic.
When will the findings from the Department's review of the welfare support for terminally ill people be published? I have supported constituents with motor neurone disease and seen challenges they face upon receiving a terminal diagnosis. Will the Government avoid replacing the six-month rule with another arbitrary time limit, such as 12 months?
Justin Tomlinson
The review involved organisations and charities, facing delays due to covid-19. Three themes emerged: changing the six-month rule, improving consistency, and raising awareness of support options. We are working across government to bring forward proposals quickly. The Motor Neurone Disease Association has been central in this process. The Secretary of State and I are committed to delivering an improved system that raises awareness, improves consistency, and tackles issues around the six-month rule.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about avoiding arbitrary time limits was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Cat Smith Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
▸ Context
In July 2019, the Department announced a review to assess how well the welfare system supports terminally ill individuals. The review faced delays due to the pandemic.
Having supported constituents with motor neurone disease, I have seen some of the challenges when facing a terminal diagnosis. Can the Minister reassure me that the Government will not just replace the six-month rule with another arbitrary time limit of, say, 12 months? That would not solve the problem and would create barriers for patients and clinicians.
Justin Tomlinson
I pay tribute to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which has been at the heart of this review. The Secretary of State and I are committed to delivering an improved system that raises awareness of support options, improves consistency, and tackles issues around the six-month rule. We are determined to do this as quickly as possible.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about avoiding arbitrary time limits was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy