The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith, MP
Secretary of State
Department of Work and Pensions
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA

9th March 2011

Dear Iain,

I am writing to you in support of many constituents who are concerned about the impact that the Welfare Reform Bill could have on people with cancer.

As you will know, the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating and sudden. As well as facing extra costs as a result of their cancer treatment, some people have to leave work. 91% of cancer patients' households suffer loss of income and/or increased costs as a direct result of their cancer. For those under 55, seven out of 10 suffer an average loss in household income of 50%. This can leave them dependent on the welfare system for the support they need to cope with their condition, and to live independently. This is also true of other debilitating and long-term illnesses.

I, therefore, call on you to take the following three points into consideration and introduce amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill which would address these concerns.

1. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) cancer treatment exemptions: I do not believe that people should be treated differently in the welfare system depending on the type of cancer treatment they receive. At the moment only people receiving non-oral chemotherapies are put in the Employment and Support Allowance Support Group without having to undergo an assessment. People who receive oral chemotherapies or radiotherapy can experience the same debilitating effects of treatment and should get the same support. Oral chemotherapies are increasingly being used, particularly for more aggressive cancers. In 2007, 10% of cancer chemotherapy was prescribed in oral form; this is expected to rise to 25% by 2013.

2. Time-limiting of contributory ESA: Given the debilitating physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment, it is entirely understandable that some sufferers will take longer than 12 months to return to work. Three quarters of people with cancer in this group still require support 12 months later, and almost two thirds (61%) 18 months later. Under the Government proposals some people with cancer in the Work-Related Activity Group of ESA will stop receiving financial support after 12 months, irrespective of whether they are ready to return to work. I am against all time limiting of contributory ESA and believe that, at the very least, an exemption should be made for cancer sufferers.

3. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reform: I am against doubling the period required to demonstrate eligibility for anyone claiming the new Personal Independence Payment from three to six months. I am particularly concerned about the impact that this will have on people with cancer, who are often treated very quickly following diagnosis, and who thereby face side effects and their associated costs immediately.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion