16/02/2015

Benefits Review For Claimants With Treatable Medical Conditions

The Prime Minister has ordered a review of a proposal to cut benefits to people with alcohol, drug or weight-related health problems who refuse treatment.

Professor Dame Carol Black, an advisor to the Department of Health, has been tasked with carrying out a review of the benefit system in relation to people with "treatable issues".

Mr Cameron claims that the current system, which has requirement for obese people or those with alcohol or drug dependencies to undertake treatment, fails to encourage people to get medical help.

The government claims that there are currently some 100,000 people with such conditions claiming Employment and Support Allowance.

Announcing the review, Mr Cameron said: "Some [people] have drug or alcohol problems, but refuse treatment.

"In other cases people have problems with their weight that could be addressed - but instead a life on benefits rather than work becomes the choice.

"It is not fair to ask hardworking taxpayers to fund the benefits of people who refuse to accept the support and treatment that could help them get back to a life of work."

(MH)

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