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How YOU can quiz a government minister on your benefits

By: KentOnline reporter multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 09:59, 06 August 2008

Minister James Purnell

Last month, the Thanet Extra revealed how more than 6,800 people in Thanet will be hit by a major shake-up to the benefits system.

Now we are giving you an opportunity to quiz one of the men responsible for the overhaul - the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell.

The sweeping changes will see incapacity benefit scrapped, with people who are currently on it reassessed to find what jobs they can do, instead of what they can’t.

Those who are genuinely unable to return to work for health reasons would see their financial support increased through Employment Support Allowance, whilst people who are fit to work would receive Jobseeker’s Allowance only.

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Unemployed drug users could also be banned from receiving benefits unless they seek medical advice and agree to a treatment plan.

The changes affect nearly 23,000 people in Kent - around a third of whom live in the Thanet area.

Perhaps you think the shake-up is unfair? Are you unsure about what you will be entitled to under the new rules?

If you stand to be affected, you can send in your questions to Mr Purnell using our Speak Out page.

Mr Purnell will then reply to some of your questions next week via the Thanet Extra website.

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