Brighton & Hove Labour has today voiced fears about potential delays in awarding benefits and over withdrawal of other benefits.

Labour are also backing concerns expressed in an open letter to The Guardian yesterday from cancer groups, as delays of up to six months may leave a significant number of people with cancer without the essential financial support that they are entitled to, at a time when they need it the most.

The Tory-led Government’s Welfare Reform Bill also plans to withdraw the new ‘employment support allowance’ (ESA) from some cancer patients after a year.

Labour has proposed an amendment which raises various objections to the Welfare Reform Bill, which is being discussed in Parliament today.

Brighton & Hove Labour Leader, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said:

“We realise that the welfare system needs reforming. However, the Tory-led government has so far failed to show that they are listening to the concerns of local people, who will be affected by these reforms.

“The Welfare Reform Bill is a leap in the dark for local people and will affect their childcare bills, savings, and monthly pay-packet. We also worry whether they fully understand the needs of local people with disabilities who require support.

“We are extremely concerned that changes to disability benefits will mean that a significant number of people with cancer will be left without vital financial support at a time when they need it the most.”