ACTION TO END CRUEL DELAYS FOR THE DYING
EXCLUSIVE Amber Rudd backs our campaign to speed up benefits for terminally ill
CRUEL benefit rules for the dying are to be reviewed after Amber Rudd read “heartbreaking” accounts of their impact in the Daily Express. The Work and Pensions
Secretary said our Compassion for the Dying crusade had “pushed” her into looking at the issue with a “fresh pair of eyes”.
And she told how tragedy in her family had highlighted how financial pressure at a time of intense suffering is the “last thing” patients and their families need.
Charities welcomed the move and said people at the end of their lives should not have to spend their final days worrying about money.
Thanking the Daily Express for its “moving” reform campaign, Ms Rudd said: “I’ve read some heartbreaking remarks in these pages and, along with my own personal experiences, it’s pushed me to look at this with a fresh pair of eyes.”
Currently, terminally ill people can get fast-tracked access to higher-rate benefits only if a doctor or nurse says they have less than six months to live.
But not all doctors understand the system or feel confident making the necessary diagnosis.The Special Rules for Terminal Illness guidelines are also often seen as favouring those living with cancer when other illnesses, such as unpredictable conditions like motor neurone disease, can also limit life.
Upsetting
Ms Rudd said patients deserved a fresh and honest evaluation of the way the system supported them.
Her ex-husband, star columnist AA Gill, died in 2016, soon after being diagnosed with cancer.The couple had two children, Flora and Alasdair, and remained friends after separating.
Ms Rudd has told of feeling “such a loss” after Mr Gill’s “incredibly upsetting” death and great sadness for their children and his family.
“Having a life-limiting illness or severe condition can cause unimaginable suffering for the patient and for their loved ones,” she said.
“So that’s why today I am beginning work on a fresh and honest evaluation of our benefits system so that I can be sure that people who are nearing the end of their life get the best possible support.”
Ms Rudd added:
“I hope that this comprehensive evaluation of how we treat those with severe conditions and terminal illnesses, will help ensure these vulnerable people get the support they need from our benefits system.
“I want people to have confidence in what we do at the DWP and no one should be suffering unnecessary hardship at this especially difficult time.”
Ms Rudd is holding talks today with charities including Macmillan and Marie Curie. She is also bringing in Professor Bee Wee, NHS England’s national clinical director for end-oflife care.
Of the 500,000 deaths in England every year, three-quarters of those are expected.
The review will hear from claimants about their experiences, look at what other countries do and the DWP’s performance. Although it is not clear how long Ms Rudd will remain in post – the next prime minister will appoint a new Cabinet – allies made it clear she will keep up pressure to make sure the review is acted upon.
A source said: “Amber continues to push for change at the DWP to improve the lives of those who are worst off. “She consistently seeks to inject more compassion into the system.” Marie Curie chief executive Matthew Reed said: “The review must be focused and quick and the Government must act at pace. “Time is crucial for dying people. Every day 10 die while waiting for the benefits they need.” Moira Fraser-Pearce, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “People approaching the end of their lives should not have to spend what precious time they have worrying about their finances.
“Yet many are still missing out on the vital support they deserve.”
CONGRATULATIONS to Amber Rudd for announcing a review into how terminally ill people are missing out on the benefits they desperately need. The Work and Pensions Secretary has decided to look at this issue as a direct result of the moving stories reported by the Daily Express in our Compassion for the Dying crusade.
Of course the issue is close to Ms Rudd’s heart with the death of her former husband, the journalist AA Gill from cancer in 2016.
It is worth remembering that of the around 500,000 deaths in England each year three quarters are expected and plans can be made to provide help and support.
We are delighted that the review will hear from the experiences of families of people who were unable to receive the benefits they needed and to which they were entitled.
It is shocking that, according to the cancer charity Marie Curie, about 10 people die each day while still waiting for benefits.
Delays are both cruel and unnecessary. This is about people who desperately need help in their final days.
So Ms Rudd now needs to follow through and ensure the system is both speedy and fair.