House of Commons · Westminster Hall
25 March 2025 · 5 other contributors · 3,692 words
Opened by Chris Hinchliff Lab North East Hertfordshire
Responding minister: Sir Stephen Timms
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Chris Hinchliff raised concerns about seriously ill children: financial support for parents in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Chris Hinchliff calls on the government to ensure that all families facing such challenges receive day one financial support as advocated by Hugh’s law.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate highlights the challenges faced by families caring for seriously ill children, with Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis's experience illustrating the unfairness of navigating burdensome and insufficient systems. Approximately 68% of women and 75% of men with mental health problems are parents, adding emotional strain. Last year, a quarter of parents struggled to provide sufficient food for their children.
Agrees with Chris Hinchliff's advocacy for Hugh’s law, citing examples from constituents who faced financial ruin due to their child's illness and the burden it places on families.
Highlights how families miss important medical appointments due to financial challenges, emphasizing the need for immediate financial support.
Supports Hugh’s law and suggests that a £750 grant would provide certainty and help parents by stopping the rigmarole of going through universal credit.
Commends Chris Hinchliff for securing this debate and highlights the need for the government to do more, even with charities stepping in. Calls for compassionate action. Stresses the enormous pressure on parents when their child is experiencing severe health issues and highlights the need for someone to help them fill out forms and receive necessary support.
Refers to new entitlements introduced under the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 and discusses Government’s Employment Rights Bill that will make it easier for carers to access leave from day one of starting a job.
Government Response
Sir Stephen TimmsThe Minister for Social Security and Disability
Sir Stephen Timms acknowledges the importance of the debate and commends Chris Hinchliff’s consistent advocacy on this topic. He outlines existing support through universal credit, bereavement run-on benefits, disability living allowance, and personal independence payments for children over 16 years old. The minister mentions ongoing consultations to raise the age limit from 16 to 18 for transitioning from DLA to PIP and notes a significant increase in applications since January 2020 due to the pandemic. Acknowledges the significant support offered by his Department, including the relaunched children and young people cancer taskforce. States there are no current plans to introduce a day one non-means-tested grant but highlights existing Government initiatives aimed at supporting parents of seriously ill children.