Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the fast-track process for claiming social security support if you are living with a terminal illness.

I sympathise profoundly with anyone who is affected by MND. I would also like to pay tribute to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Marie Curie for highlighting this important issue.

As you know, the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) application process is intended to let terminally ill people access social security quickly. However, to be eligible for the SRTI in England and Wales, a person must have a life expectancy of six months or less.

I understand that serious concerns have been raised about the delay in bringing forward changes.  The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) undertook to review the SRTI application process over 18 months ago. Despite the DWP pledging in September 2020, and again the following month, that a new scheme was being drawn up, nothing has been announced.

I believe that this delay is causing unnecessary pain and distress to terminally ill patients and their families and that action needs to be taken now. Marie Curie estimates that on average ten people with a terminal illness die each day without having received the financial support to which they are entitled.

Therefore, the UK Government should publish the outcome of this review as soon as possible. More generally, I believe we should develop a social security system based on the principles of dignity and respect.

Thank you again for writing to me. I can assure you that I will continue to press the Government on this important issue.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP