Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mims Davies and Kerry McCarthy

Monday 5th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)]

15. If he will take steps to simplify the benefits claims process for cancer patients.

[The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Mims Davies)]

Understandably, such a health diagnosis can be a shock for individuals, their families and, indeed, their finances—and I am conscious of saying this just after World Cancer Day. It is important to ensure that people have the right support as soon as possible, and as part of our reforms we will simplify the system to reduce the assessment burden and improve people’s experiences of assessments.

[Kerry McCarthy]

I thank the Minister for her response, but those changes cannot come too soon for my constituent Emily, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, is too ill to work, and is finding the benefits system impossible to navigate. DWP officials have pushed her from pillar to post, unable to decide whether she is eligible for employment and support allowance and universal credit. She has been forced to fill in countless forms, and was even required to attend a jobcentre appointment over Christmas, despite being seriously unwell. Does the Minister agree this is simply not good enough, and that we need to put those changes in place so that people like Emily do not have to go through this?

[Mims Davies]

I am sorry to hear about Emily’s situation. I would remind others in her situation that there is a help to claim service available through Citizens Advice and also a benefits calculator on gov.uk, but I would also be extremely keen to see the details of what has happened. I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady or to look at the details, whatever she would prefer.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mims Davies and Kerry McCarthy

Monday 25th January 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mims Davies]

I am happy to confirm that DWP will continue to work hard to support people like my hon. Friend’s constituents. I know that the staff in his three local jobcentres are already delivering training, mentoring circles and kickstart prep courses with partners such as Google, Amazon and the Prince’s Trust, as well as working to develop new resources to help to support local jobseekers.

[Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)]

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Government’s definition of care, support and supervision for benefits recipients in (a) supported and (b) exempted housing.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mims Davies and Kerry McCarthy

Wednesday 13th January 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mims Davies]

The pandemic has been extremely challenging for families with children and young people with special educational needs. Supporting them is a priority for this Government and their wellbeing remains central to our response. We have our £37.3 million family fund to help more than 75,000 low-income families raising children. The hon. Lady will note that the Minister for Children and Families, my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Vicky Ford), is partaking in this session, and I am sure that she will be keen to update her further.

[Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab)]

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the development of the new national autism strategy.