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UK: Welfare bill 'penalises cancer patients'

In this newspiece by London daily 'The Guardian' we see some details on the controversial points in this welfare reform legislation that could affect substantially cancer patients. 

Read the article and the analysis below, 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/mar/09/welfare-bill-cancer-patients

Funny isn't it? How when a country's finances are in dire straits welfare provisions and acquired benefits are the first to go (take Wisconsin, for example). In this case, allowances for cancer patients, a measure that permits them to live in relative independence and dignity while they are out of work, faces time limitations after only twelve months once you start receiving the benefit. 

In terms of fiscal prudence the 'slight' change in policy might be sound. But I'm thinking about the human consequences of this policy. What if the patient needs more time? How about considering an alternative of a patient returning to work part-time with the state covering the difference? Why not allow for that patient to start his/her own business so they may be near their home and family and the places that might provide good care. 

Is choosing how you take your treatment really a sound policy criterion in deciding coverage?

That Tories are trying to reform welfare is hardly a surprise. But I am indeed taken aback by the fact that the Liberal Democrat leadership has not taken a bigger part in this, especially since they are coalition partners with the Tories and one would think that as a centre-left political organisation they'd want to tone down some of the policy dispositions in this piece. 

I am more surprised, though, with Labour Party leadership. Miliband simply won't assume his role as opposition leader. This ambiguity, an inherited form taken from the (now-not-so) new Labour does not suit well with a party that has social justice (even a watered-down version of it) as its goal. Questions will have to be asked of Miliband's suitability as leader in a party that lived (still does) for form and not substance. 

Tell me what you think. 

Sent from my iPhone

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