Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December 2021 to Question 92099 on Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses, whether she plans to amend legislation to implement changes to (a) the Special Rules for Terminal Illness and (b) Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment during the current session of Parliament; and what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on ensuring parity between social security systems in the UK following the recent passing of the Social Security (Terminal Illness) Bill by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The Department plans to amend legislation to implement changes to the Special Rules for Terminal Illness in Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment as soon as possible, subject to Parliamentary processes.

The Department works closely with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland within a legal and non-statutory framework for co-ordination and reciprocity in social security arrangements. In the case of changes to the Special Rules for Terminal Illness, engagement began during policy development and in an evaluation into how the benefits system supports people nearing the end of their lives. This close collaboration continues as the 12-month approach is being implemented to ensure that parity is maintained between the two benefits systems.