ELIGIBILITY OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND LEUKAEMIA FOR DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE

Early day motion 2072, tabled 2 May 2006 by Doug Naysmith (Labour). Signed by 121 members.

That this House expresses its concern about the length of time it takes for children with cancer and leukaemia to become eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and the many weeks more it takes to process their claims before any benefit can be paid; recognises that the treatment of cancers and leukaemias in children follows clearly established protocols and is of predictable duration; further notes the recognised and exacerbated effects chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment have on the quality of life of child cancer patients and the clear need for additional care and support that results from these illnesses and their treatments; congratulates CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading charity for children and young people with cancer and leukaemia and the only national charity solely representing the needs of these cancer patients, on its work to highlight this issue through its `Cut the red tape - keep it simple for kids with cancer' campaign; and urges the Government to explore ways of addressing the acknowledged disconnect between the point of diagnosis and the commencement of DLA for under-16s, and to develop a DLA claims process that responds sensitively and speedily to cases involving children.

Signatures by party: Labour 58, Liberal Democrat 32, Conservative 18, DUP 5, Scottish National Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1.