Government must do more to alert terminally ill people to financial help - MacDougall 09/11/04

Leading Cancer Charity Macmillan has published research into the take up of benefits by people with Cancer. The startling results showed that fewer than half of the people diagnosed with terminal cancer are claiming the benefits that they are entitled to. This adds up to £26M in unclaimed benefits.

William MacDougall, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Tottenham, said:

"People affected by cancer often say that financial concerns are second only to physical pain as a cause of stress. A cancer diagnosis can mean an increase in expenses at a time when income often suddenly drops.

"I suspect that hundreds of terminally ill people across Haringey do not claim what they're entitled to. Many people find the claim process too complex at a time of extreme pressure. I want the Government to do more to make terminally ill people aware of the financial help available".

ENDS.