ESA Policy Motion at Lib Dem Conference: Letters and response

I have received a lot of template emails (in that they all have the same content) in the last 2 days regarding the Employment and Support Allowance Motion going to Lib Dem Federal Conference in Birmingham this September. The letter text, and my response are below:

Councillor Tim Prater
Kent County Council
Sessions House
County Hall
MAIDSTONE
ME14 1XQ

Dear Councillor Prater,

As an elected Liberal Democrat representative in my local council, I am writing to ask for your support ahead of the Liberal Democrat party conference. A Liberal Democrat motion has been tabled on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Work Capability Assessments. The motion will be debated on Saturday 17 September and I would ask you to vote in favour of it.

Macmillan Cancer Support has been campaigning to 'Put the fair into welfare', calling for the Welfare Reform Bill to be amended. The Government's proposal to time limit ESA will mean that 7,000 vulnerable cancer patients will lose up to £94 per week if their partner earns as little as £7,500 per year.

I am extremely concerned about this as it will increase the financial and emotional burden on someone already fighting a potentially life-threatening illness. We must make sure that working people suddenly diagnosed with cancer are not left unsupported at a time when they need it most. This proposal will also affect tens of thousands of other people living with a disability.

The support of the Liberal Democrat party will be critical in getting this Bill amended. You can help make the difference. If you are a voting member of conference please will you:

• Vote in favour of the F6 Conference ESA policy motion at the Liberal Democrat Conference on 17th September.

For more information about Macmillan's campaign please contact Geoff Heyes, Public Affairs Officer, on GHeyes@macmillan.org.uk or 020 7840 4843.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi,

Many thanks for your email, one of a number of similar emails received today.

I'm afraid I won't be a voting representative at Liberal Democrat Federal Conference in Birmingham, but, if I were, would be voting in favour of the ESA policy motion.

Regards,

Tim Prater
Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Folkestone West
Liberal Democrat Parish Councillor for Sandgate

98a Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
01303 210300

www.prater.org.uk / www.twitter.com/timprater