Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Justin Tomlinson and James Wild

Monday 9th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[James Wild (North West Norfolk) (Con)]

7. What progress her Department has made on the review of special rules for terminal illnesses announced on 11 July 2019.

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

The Department is prioritising a full review in this vital area, evaluating how the benefits system supports people nearing the end of their lives and those with severe conditions. We are making significant progress on this, having engaged with claimants, clinicians and stakeholders to bring forward options.

[James Wild]

I thank the Minister for that update and the Government for taking the initiative in reviewing these rules. My North West Norfolk constituents suffering terminal illnesses want to see the six-month rule scrapped, so will he continue to work with Motor Neurone Disease Association, Marie Curie and others to find a solution that works for all of them?

[Justin Tomlinson]

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. Absolutely. The reason we commissioned the review was that the status quo needs to change. We recognise that, and I wish to pay tribute to the organisations that have been supporting a thorough review, including the MND Association, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Macmillan, the Royal College of Nursing, Sue Ryder and NHS England.