§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will initiate a take-up campaign for disability groups similar to the campaign directed at older people; and if he will make a statement. [74300]
§ Mr. BayleyWe are already working with the Disability Benefits Forum to identify ways of improving information and advice about disability benefits. We are determined to improve the administration of these benefits to ensure that decisions about entitlement are right at the outset and that they remain correct. These are necessary steps which must be taken before decisions can be made about the need for a take-up campaign.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of the financial savings to the social security budget arising from the reduction in incapacity benefit payments to disabled people will be used to improve the level of other services or support for disabled people. [74302]
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§ Mr. BayleyThe savings on Incapacity Benefit as a result of measures in the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill, rising to £700 million a year after ten years, will be more than offset by additional expenditure on benefits for sick and disabled people, as we meet increasing demand and seek to do more for those in the greatest need. In this Parliament alone expenditure will increase by £1 billion in real terms.