Stephen has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury, Stephen Barclay, about benefit payments for terminally ill people.
In his letter Stephen noted that the results of the 2019 review of the benefits system were yet to be published. He raised the particular issue that terminally ill people can only fast track their applications if they can prove that they have less than 6 months to live.
Campaigners have argued that using the fast track application process is complex for vulnerable claimants. This often forces individuals to apply through the standard claims process which is unsuitable for those with a terminal diagnosis.
Stephen said “I am troubled that vulnerable claimants are being put off applying for benefits because of an over complicated and rigid system. I hope the Minister will look into this and work towards making the system more accessible.”