During Work and Pensions questions on 9 March, James called on the government to end the six month rule and make it easier for anyone with a terminal illness to get the benefits they need.
At the moment the special rules for terminally illness that enable fast access to benefits only apply if an individual has been given a diagnosis that they have six months or less to live. Anyone with a longer prognosis or unpredictable illness is excluded.
In July 2019 the government announced a review into the way terminally ill people are supported by the welfare system.
Speaking the Chamber, James said: "My North West Norfolk constituents suffering terminal illnesses want to see the six-month rule scrapped, so will he continue to work with Motor Neurone Disease Association, Marie Curie and others to find a solution that works for all of them?"
In response, Justin Tomlinson MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health, and Work, confirmed that the rules would change saying: “The reason we commissioned this review was because the status quo has to change and we recognise that. I wish to pay tribute to the organisations who have been supporting a thorough review including MND, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, MacMillan, RCN, Sue Ryder, and NHS England”
