Oral Answers to Questions

Christina Rees Excerpts

Monday 8th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Justin Tomlinson]

My hon. Friend raises an important point. One lesson we can take from these unprecedented times is to look to extend the principle of the severe conditions criteria and, where possible, use clear evidence to remove unnecessary assessments. We will explore that further, working with disabled people and health and disability charities, in the upcoming health and disability Green Paper.

[Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op)]

What plans she has to publish her Department’s review of the special rules for terminal illness.

[The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Justin Tomlinson)]

The Department is committed to delivering an improved benefit system for claimants nearing the end of their lives, and we are working across government to bring forward changes.

[Christina Rees [V]]

Will the Minister urgently correct the anomaly whereby someone with a severe condition eligible for an ongoing award under the normal rules has a light-touch review after 10 years, but someone with a terminal illness such as motor neurone disease has to reapply after three years under the special rules or risk having their benefits stopped?

[Justin Tomlinson]

I thank the hon. Member for raising that important point, referring to someone who qualifies under special rules for terminal illness normally having an award for three years. The point was raised during the review of changing the rules around special rules; we are considering it and I welcome its having been raised.