MP’s Question Prompts ‘Emotive’ Cancer Reply From Minister

Local MP Ian Lucas asked a question in Parliament this week regarding people in Wrexham being treated for cancer having to chase up the status of benefits designed to help them.

Mr Lucas posed the query to the Minister of State for Disabled People, Michael Penning, regarding Personal Independence Payments.

Personal Independence Payments or ‘PIPs’ are aimed to help with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability for people aged 16 to 64, worth £21 to £135 a week. The rate depends on how conditions affects people, rather than specific to the condition itself.

Mr Lucas asked: “Since June, I have had five cases brought to my attention at my constituency surgery where applications for PIPs have been made yet not one of them has been paid.

“The assessments have been carried out, yet DWP employees are telling people being treated for cancer to phone up and chase Capita. Will the Minister do something about it because this system is collapsing?”

Mr Penning said: “People suffering from terminal illnesses are being dealt with very quickly in most cases…”

To which Mr Lucas interjected saying “They are not.”

Mr Penning carried on: “Those with terminal illnesses are; cancer is not always terminal. I know this is an emotive subject, but fortunately plenty of people in this country live through their cancer. I will look carefully into what the hon. Gentleman says, but it is not the case that no benefits are getting through. The vast majority are. I see cases at my surgery the same as others do, but the vast majority are getting their benefits. We will, however, work on the quality.”

Speaking yesterday, Mr Lucas said: “The stark reality in many of these cases is that Wrexham people are, simply, not getting the help they need despite being in very difficult situations.

“There has been chronic mismanagement of the system and it is already under great strain – yet Ministers are forcing through further changes which will add yet further problems.”

“In Wales, people who are currently on Disabled Living allowance are being told to apply for Personal Independence Payments already. This means that, despite the DWP knowing that the current system is under great strain, Ministers are deliberately adding further pressure onto it.”

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