Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the financial effect of the new regulations concerning the payment of invalidity benefit on elected councillors who are in receipt of such benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Rossi[pursuant to his reply, 16 March 1981, Vol. 1, c. 39]: I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the changes introduced last September under which periods of incapacity for work lasting less than four days do not count for benefit purposes. Significant administrative savings were achieved by these new arrangements.
About six representations have been received in respect of councillors who have found they are no longer entitled to invalidity benefit because of council work.