Comment on forthcoming Milburn review: Young cancer patients must not lose disability support because of their age

Reports suggest the forthcoming Milburn review could recommend significant changes to disability benefits for disabled young people under 25. In response, Young Lives vs Cancer is urging the government to guarantee that young people with cancer will not lose vital financial support simply because of their age.

Young Lives vs Cancer Chief Executive Rachel Kirby Rider, said: “Reports that the Milburn review could recommend replacing Universal Credit health-related support and PIP for under-25s with what appears to be a reduced financial support package for disabled young people are deeply concerning. We urgently need clarity on what this would mean for young cancer patients and whether they will be protected under any proposed reforms.

“These benefits are vital for young people facing the extra costs of living with cancer or who are too unwell to work, particularly during treatment. Removing financial support will not reduce these costs or support their recovery back into work or education.

“Our recent YouGov polling found that 76% of the public support young people with cancer and their families receiving disability benefits.

“We will examine the full recommendations closely when the report is published next week, but the government must make clear whether young people with cancer will be protected from any reductions in disability support. They must not lose essential financial support simply because of their age.”