§ Mr. Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne)I beg leave to present a petition from my constituency about the benefit integrity project as it applies to the chronically disabled. The petition says that it refers in particular to
women between the ages of 60 and 65, whilst the over-65s are amongst the groups exempt from this project. Sadly, it is not likely that disabled people of this age are going to get better, or need less care.The petition is signed by nearly 700 of my constituents, in particular Mrs. Diane Roberts, who prepared it. It continues:
The Petitioners therefore request, with respect to the House, that the House amend the minimum exemption age to 60, and allow the elderly Life Award Chronic Disabled to live their difficult, stressful and painful lives without the added worry of benefit cuts, and being under suspicion of fraud. The Petitioners ask, with respect, on behalf of all the disabled and their, at best, poorly paid carers, for the House to look again at the Benefit Integrity Project, not to take away such benefits, but give them some much needed help.
§ And the Petitioners remain, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.