Just over a month ago Macmillan wrote a letter to the Government that received significant media attention about how changes to the welfare system will affect people with cancer. Thanks to over 2,200 campaigners, 13 MPs spoke out in a debate against benefits cuts for people with cancer. You can read more about what they said in the debate here.
The welfare proposals are now being examined by a Committee of MPs. Macmillan has been in contact with members of the Committee and as a result both Stephen Timms and George Hollingbery tabled amendments asking the Government to ensure all cancer patients are treated the same in the benefits system irrespective of the type of treatment they are receiving. This is one of our three calls regarding the welfare proposals.
Although no definite changes have been made yet this is not unusual, and Work and Pensions Minister, Chris Grayling, did say the Government had an open mind on the issue and could be willing to make changes.
We are currently setting up meetings in the constituencies of the MPs on the Committee with people affected by cancer, and benefits advisors, to try and get MPs to table further amendments against benefits cuts for people with cancer. If your MP is on the Committee and you would like to get involved then please email campaigns@macmillan.org.uk or just post a reply to this blog.
