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RENNIE TAKES SARA'S CASE TO PARLIAMENT
July 8, 2008 3:00 PM
Local MP Willie Rennie has asked the Government to investigate the case of Sara McGovern, a 21 year from West Fife suffering from long-term health problems, who has been left demoralised and dejected by the Government's complex benefits system.
During a question session in the House of Commons, Mr Rennie asked the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform to investigate why Sara was not considered sick enough to be eligible for any help with benefits despite being in and out of hospital since the age of 16.
Sara fails to qualify for statutory sick pay as an agency worker, and had her application for income support turned down because her partner earned £10 more than the £94.95 the Government considers as being acceptable living expenses. Her time as a student also meant she did not have the three full years of National Insurance contributions required for incapacity benefits and she wasn't ill enough to qualify for disability living allowance.
Commenting Mr Rennie said:
"Sara is an example of the many people who slip through the cracks of this Government's welfare system. She has been left high and dry by a system that chews people up and leaves them with nothing".
"This Government has consistently talked about the importance of employment, but refuses to help Sara return to work. It's not fair that people who are desperate to get back to work are made to sit in a corner".
"I have asked the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform to look into Sara's case so that benefit complexity does not stop those in need of support from receiving the Government's help".
ENDS
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