Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

PIP Review: Cancer Patients

Monday 26 January 2026 · 1 question

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mr Richard Quigley raised concerns about proposals suggesting cancer patients receiving PIP and Universal Credit might need to complete a work capability assessment.
  • The Minister acknowledged the concerns and noted that the Department has measures in place to treat people being treated for cancer as having limited capability for work when claiming universal credit.
  • The Department's measures aim to support cancer patients by exempting them from work capability assessments while they are undergoing treatment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Quigley Lab Isle of Wight West
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about proposals that could affect cancer patients receiving PIP and universal credit by requiring them to complete work capability assessments during active cancer treatment.

Question

Mr Quigley thanked the Minister for his response. He noted that many cancer patients receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit were alarmed by proposals put forward last summer suggesting they might be required to complete a work capability assessment before accessing those benefits while undergoing active cancer treatment. Mr Quigley asked what assurances can the Department give that people in the midst of cancer treatment will not face these assessments at such a vulnerable time.

Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)

My hon. Friend raises a good point regarding concerns about work capability assessments during cancer treatment. The Department has measures in place to treat people claiming universal credit as having limited capability for work and work-related activity if they are being treated for cancer, likely to be treated within six months, or recovering from treatment. This ensures that individuals undergoing active cancer treatment will not be burdened with these assessments at such a challenging time.

Answered
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