HC Deb 24 November 1982 vol 32 cc496-7W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he expects to announce the decision on which districts within the United Kingdom will participate in the European Economic Community network of districts designed to promote the social integration of disabled people; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will list the members of the United Kingdom liaison committee concerned with the European Economic Community network of districts designed to promote the social integration of disabled people; how many disabled people are on the committee; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what funds will be provided from the European Economic Community social fund to districts participating in the network on the social integration of disabled people; if the 50 per cent. matching grant will be provided by his Department, another Government Department or will be drawn from existing local authority resources; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rossi

Discussions on the establishment of the network of district projects are still continuing between the member States and the European Commission. The United Kingdom is likely to have two such projects. The expectation is that member States should submit recommended project areas by the end of January 1983 to the Commission; and that applications for social fund support should be made by April 1983 for the projects to begin in October 1983

The Commission's proposed funding arrangements are outlined in its communication of October 1981, (Cmnd (81) 633—"The Social Integration of Disabled People—a Framework for the Development of Community Action") which was broadly endorsed by the Council of Ministers in its resolution of 21 December 1981. This leaves member

November 1978 November 1978 at November 1981 prices* November 1981 November 1982
£ £ £ £
Central heating 1–2 rooms 0.45 0.70
Central heating 3–4 rooms 0.85 1.30 1.65 1.90
Lower rate* heating addition 0.85 1.30
Central heating 5 or more rooms 1.70 2.60 3.30 3.80
Estate rate heatine† 1–4 rooms — — 3.30 3.80
Middle rate heating addition‡ 1.70 2.60 4.05 4.65
Higher rate heating addition║ 2.55 3.85 4.05 4.65
Estate rate heatingt† 5 or more rooms — — 6.60 7.60

*Payable automatically to those over 70 or under 5 from November 1980. Also payable on rounds of poor health or accommodation.

† Standard rates introduced from August 1982.

‡ Middle rate heating addition merged with higher rate in November 1980.

║ Payable automatically to those receiving attendance allowance, mobility allowance, or similar benefits from November 1980. Also payable on grounds of poor health or accommodation.