GSD's Daniel Feetham to move motion to review how disability benefit is granted

Opposition member, Daniel Feetham is to move a motion calling for a wider review of the law and administrative practice relating to the grant of disability benefit. The motion will ask this be carried out by a working group, set up by the Minister with responsibility for Social Security, with cross party participation, to report to Parliament with recommendations within the next six months.

The motion states the House welcomes the introduction of the Disability Act in 2017 as a significant breakthrough in enhancing the rights of disabled people.

The motion asks for a commitment from MPs to continuing to break down barriers by by striving to secure equal rights and opportunities for all. It welcomes Government assurances that it's prepared to consider placing the qualifying test for the award of disability benefit on a statutory footing.

In answer to questions from GBC Daniel Feetham said the motion is part of the GSD’s commitment to positively and constructively suggest ways in which to continue to break down barriers and secure equal opportunities and equal rights for disabled people. The GSD Opposition member with responsibility for equality added there's no doubt there's significant concern in the community as to how disability benefit is applied and administered. Too many genuine applications, he says, are being rejected and this is causing significant hardship to those affected.