HC Deb 21 November 1977 vol 939 cc523-4W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of registrable disabled people who are denied rent and rate rebates because they have not been identified and registered by their local authorities under the terms of Section 1 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act: what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeson

Details of the rent and rate rebate schemes are widely publicised. I have no reason to suppose that a disproportionate number of disabled people are among those eligible for rebates but not claiming.

Where a householder or his wife are registered in pursuance of Section 29(1) of the National Assistance Act 1948, the amount of rent and rate rebate is more than would otherwise be the case. Rebate officers of local authorities are aware of this and advise applicants accordingly.

Any action in connection with the duties of local authorities under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.

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