§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps her Department plans to take to uprate disability living allowance to take account of road fuel tax increases; and if she will make a statement. [36854]
§ Mr. DenhamThere are no plans to uprate Disability Living Allowance to take account of road fuel tax increases. Disability Living Allowance is not intended to meet specific costs associated with disability, nor is it, of course, aimed solely at people who are dependent on their car.
§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what analysis her Department has made of the medical basis for claims for disability living allowance; and what advice she has received based on that analysis. [36766]
§ Mr. DenhamTwo reports were published recently which include information on the assessment of claims for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA): "A Study of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Awards" published by the Department's Analytical Services Division; and "The Future of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance—A Discussion Paper" published by the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board (DLAAB), an independent statutory body.
These reports provide a valuable insight into the workings of DLA and AA. They highlight some problems with the current adjudication process, in particular, the evidence used to support a claim and the DLAAB have suggested that more use should be made of medical evidence.
Both reports were discussed with organisations representing disabled people at a seminar hosted by my Noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Hollis of Heigham on 27 March. We have not drawn any conclusions from the reports at this stage. The Green Paper, "New ambitions for our country: a new contract for welfare reform", makes it clear that there will be full consultation on any proposals for changes to DLA and AA.