§ 24. Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to help disabled people stay in work. [111855]
§ Mr. BayleyThe New Deal for Disabled People pilots have already helped over 2,000 disabled people to move into or stay in employment. The Disabled Person's Tax Credit is helping to make work pay; and our recently announced improvements in the support provided by the Independent Living Funds are intended to help severely disabled people to keep a higher proportion of their income from work.
§ 31. Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on progress made with the New Deal for the Disabled. [111863]
§ Mr. BayleyThe New Deal for Disabled People is piloting a range of measures. The results have been very encouraging, with over 2,000 disabled clients starting work so far. We are now considering how the help provided by this New Deal might be extended in the light of the lessons emerging from the pilots.