Ritchie Challenges Cameron Over DLA Reforms

their lives. They should not be allowed to get caught up in a wider political debate about benefits or claims revisions.xa0 They and their families should be able to rely on clearly identified sources of care and support so that they can concentrate on treatment and recovery.” Parliamentary Question: Margaret Ritchie “Does the Prime Minster recognise the concerns that have been raised about the adverse implications and complications for cancer patients under the proposals in the Welfare reform Bill for replacing DLA with personal independence payments and will he therefore investigate with ministers the case for creating straightforward cancer care and support allowance which would be available to those diagnosed with cancer andxa0 who are either undergoing or awaiting treatment.” Answer from the Prime Minister “I think the honourable lady asks a very important question.xa0 We will look very carefully as will the government medical advisorxa0 at DLA and its interaction with people who have cancer but I think everyone on all sides of the house should recognise that DLA does need reform.xa0 The fact is there are 130,000 people on DLA who have not had a claim revised at all since the benefit was introduced in 1992. “There are three-quarters of a million people who have had the same claim for ten years and no contact from the department.xa0 There are actually 21,000 people of working age getting DLA because they are on drink or drugs so there really is reform necessary but making sure we assess people with cancer properly is part of that reform.”]]>