The Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill will give extra benefits to those at the end of their lives. I asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Chloe Smith, what discussions she has had with Hospices like St Giles Hospice in Lichfield in preparing the Bill as it went through the House of Commons today (8th September).

I asked:  “I am very grateful to my Rt Hon Friend for presenting this bill, as will be my constituents in Lichfield.

“May I ask her; in Lichfield we are blessed with a particularly wonderful hospice, St Giles Hospice in Whittington village. May I ask whether the Department has spoken to clinicians and organisers of hospices, like ours in Lichfield while preparing the Bill?”

Chloe Smith answered: “Yes that is absolutely the case. There has been extensive conversations with clinicians and those in the hospice movement more broadly, and I join him in paying tribute to all those who work in hospices such as his in Lichfield, and the many more across the country, who do such an important job in giving people comfort, support and care at the end of their life.

“In announcing that the Government intends to move from that 6 month criteria to the 12 month end of life approach, we have engaged very widely, and endeavoured to communicate as clearly as possible, so that people know what support is available.”

Michael now says:  “Hospices like St Giles, and others in the West Midlands, provide such a caring and wonderful service.  I am pleased that the Hospice movement is fully engaged with Government in preparing legislation such as this.”