§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what review he has undertaken of the different residency rules for severe disablement allowance compared to attendance allowance, mobility allowance or disability living allowance; what plans he has to unify the residency qualifications; what other plans he has to review the severe disablement allowance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review residency rules for severe disablement allowance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottWe recognise that there has been some criticism of the residence qualifying condition for severe disablement allowance, which is more stringent than those which apply to other non-contributory benefits for sick and disabled people. The general issue of the acceptable length of residency conditions is being considered by the European Court of Justice. We believe that it would be sensible to be informed by their view before reaching any conclusions on the test for claimants generally.
In the meantime, regulations were laid before the House on 4 July which will help members of the armed forces and their families with the residence condition. We believe that this approach is wholly justified in advance of any more general consideration of the test. We have no current plans to conduct a wider review of severe disablement allowance.