Feetham Motion Calls For Disability Benefit Review
GSD MP Daniel Feetham intends to move a motion at the next meeting of Parliament which calls for a “wider review” of the law and administrative practice relating to disability benefit in Gibraltar.
The motion welcomes the introduction of the Disability Act 2017 and the assurances at the last session of parliament in December 2019 by the Minister for Social Security in answer to questions from the GSD Opposition that he is prepared to consider placing on a statutory footing the qualifying test for the award of disability benefit. The GSD are also proposing the creation of a cross party Working Group to review the wider law and administrative practice relating to the grant of disability benefit with a view to reporting to Parliament within six months.
Mr Feetham said: “The motion is part of the GSD’s commitment to positively and constructively suggest ways in which we can continue to break down barriers and secure equal opportunities and equal rights for disabled people. There is no doubt there is significant concern in the community as to how disability benefit is applied and administered. Too many genuine applications are being rejected and this is causing significant hardship to those affected.”
The full text of the motion is:
"This House welcomes the introduction of the Disability Act in 2017 as a significant breakthrough in enhancing the rights of disabled people and is committed to continuing to break down barriers by constantly striving to secure equal opportunities and equal rights for all people with disabilities in Gibraltar.
Consonant with that aim this House:
(a) welcomes the assurances of the Minister with responsibility for Social Security in answer to parliamentary questions from the GSD Opposition that he is prepared to consider placing on a statutory footing the qualifying test for the award of disability benefit;
(b) considers that a wider review of the law and administrative practice relating to the grant of disability benefit should take place.
RESOLVES that that review should be conducted by a Working Group set up by the Minister with responsibility for Social Security with cross party participation, to report to this House with recommendations within the next six months."
