HC Deb 12 December 1980 vol 995 cc605-6W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received with regard to the payments made to disabled people working at the Hexagon centre, owned by Hampshire county council; what replies he is sending; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if, having regard to the fact that disabled people who work at the Hexagon centre, owned by Hampshire county council, are now required to pay £1.50 a week "attendance money" for working at the centre, he will institute a full and urgent inquiry into the running of this work centre;

(3) what representation he has received about payments made to disabled people who work at the Hexagon centre owned by Hampshire county council; what replies he is sending; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prentice

The right hon. Gentleman has written to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Social Services and for Employment. I shall reply as soon as possible. I understand that the Hexagon centre is a day centre for physically handicapped people where the Hampshire county council provides day care in the form of diversionary pursuits, special activities and work-orientated training for people unable to follow sheltered or open employment. Incentive payments are made to clients who participate in work activities as part of their rehabilitation.

Under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 the authority has the power to charge for the service it provides and, I understand, it does so. I see no need for any form of inquiry.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether people living on social security payments will have them increased if, as in the case of disabled people working at the Hexagon centre, owned by Hampshire county council, they are required to pay "attendance money" at the work centres they attend.

Mr. Prentice

The circumstances in which people in receipt of supplementary benefit may be entitled to increase in respect of additional requirements are set out in the Supplementary Benefit (Requirement) Regulations 1980 (S.I. No. 1299). These circumstances do not include charges for attendance at local authority day centres. Local authorities do, however, have the power to abate or waive such charges in individual cases.