Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chloe Smith and Peter Aldous

Monday 8th November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

Motor neurone disease is a cruel and relentless condition. Too many people with MND and other terminal illnesses are struggling to access the benefits that they need. The Northern Ireland Executive have committed to introducing legislation this month to reform the unfair six-month rule. Will the Government follow their lead?

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Chloe Smith)]

I share my hon. Friend’s desire to see those changes made as quickly as possible, which is why we are taking a two-stage approach. That will allow us to introduce changes to universal credit and employment and support allowance via secondary legislation in April. Parliament will need to pass primary legislation to amend the special rules in other benefits, which we will introduce as soon as the parliamentary timetable allows.