NI parties jointly urge change of terminal illness definition

By Michael McHugh, Press Association

Six Northern Ireland political parties have united to call for change in how the Department for Communities defines terminal illness for benefits purposes.

The SDLP, DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP, Alliance and Greens are seeking a "fairer" understanding of the term.

They said at present only those with six months or less to live are eligible for fast track assessment and payment.

The issue relates to a benefit known as a Personal Independence Payment.

The parties have joined forces to sign a letter to the permanent secretary of the Department for Communities.

Their statement said: "They are calling for a change in definition to that similar in Scotland where the government is moving to a definition of terminal illness based on clinical need rather than any time-restricted understanding of life expectancy."

It urged the department, in the absence of an executive and assembly, to establish a working group to proactively engage with Scottish officials and other stakeholders to review the current definition and begin the preparatory work required for the introduction of a similar "fairer" definition of terminal illness based on clinical need.