The Government’s Cancer shame

Benefit changes target cancer patients.

The mark of any civilised society has always been the way it treats those who are ill and those who are disabled. Nothing new there in this Equal and Diverse blog. So what about our reform of the benefits system. I think you get to the heart of the reform when you consider the proposals in relation to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Despite the advances of the last few decades the word cancer still sends a chill down the spine. Indeed in my own family experience it is a disease that has taken too many too young. So it is important that when a diagnosis of cancer is given, whatever the short or long term prognosis, that is provided to the individual and their families. The stress of money worries can have a profound effect on health and positive outcomes.

The Government has reacted to campaigners by making a welcome concession in relation to those with disabilities in residential settings by agreeing not to remove their DLA provision. Such a change which will enable more people to live normal and healthy lives is to be congratulated.

But what of cancer?

According to a YouGov survey of 1,500 patients for Macmillan Cancer, financial problems affect more than two-thirds of cancer patients, with some going without food because money is so tight.

Like Macmillan we recognise that this has a profound effect on people. So the suggested changes to the Welfare Reform Bill being debated in the Lords are critical.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants are divided into two categories – those undergoing treatment are in the “support group” and there is no time limit.

But those who are deemed able to perform “work-related activities” which might help them eventually return to work face means-testing after 12 months.

Anyone with savings over £16,000, or whose partner either works more than 24 hours or earns more than £149 a week, would lose all their ESA.

The Macmillan survey found 66% of the cancer patients who were surveyed had reported a rise in costs, because of factors such as hospital trips and increases in household expenses.

One in six (17%) of those who suffered financially were forced to cut back on everyday essentials such as buying food, while 5% said they had skipped meals to save money, and 7% were scared of losing their home.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, quoted on the BBC website has said: “Cancer is an expensive disease to live with, but this research shows just how close to the breadline many cancer patients really are.

“While we understand the benefits system is in need of reform, certain changes in the Welfare Reform Bill could have catastrophic effects on many families who are already struggling.”

Macmillan wants the Bill amended so everyone eligible for ESA will receive it for as long as they need and that it is “unacceptable” that people could have to wait six months for their PIP.

Equal and Diverse also would argue that the scandal of differential treatment around chemotherapy needs to be addressed. If you take IV chemotherapy you qualify for unconditional ESA support, but if you take it orally, you don’t. Anyone who has themselves or has had family member take chemotherapy orally will know how unlikely it is that they will be physically or emotionally fir to be out there looking for a job! Yet the Government WBA reforms in principle suggest this to be the case.

We hope all the Cancer campaigns defeat these elements of the WBA. Reform is needed but not at the cost of those most in need.

Dr Donald Macaskill

Source: BBC and Macmillan.

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