Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has paid tribute to all who campaigned for legislation to extend access to fast-tracked financial support for terminally ill people.

The Strangford MLA was speaking ahead of the Final Stage of the Social Security (Terminal Illness) Bill in the Assembly, which will see legislation changed so those with 12 months or less to live will receive faster financial support.

“This is a momentous day for all those behind the ‘scrap six months’ campaign to achieve this necessary change in process,” said Ms Armstrong.

“I pay tribute to each of them, from Marie Curie, Motor Neuron Disease and other organisations, to all the individuals involved. The input from each of them has led us to today, where this significant change will have a tangible benefit for terminally ill people. Hopefully this is an end to the heart-breaking stories of people passing away before their application for benefits has been processed.

“The Government has finally listened and people with a life-limiting condition will no longer have to go through this cruel rule to prove they only have six months left to live. This will help people and their families at a time when they are handling a serious illness.”