Earnings Rule (Hansard, 21 November 1984)

§ Mrs. Renée Short
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has to relax the earnings rule for pensioners.

§ Mr. Whitney
From 26 November the amount that can be earned by a pensioner before his or her pension is reduced, will rise by 7.7 per cent. from £65 to £70. This compares with a rise in prices and pensions of 5.1 per cent. in the year to May 1984 and thus represents a further relaxation of the earnings rule.
The abolition of the earnings rule, to which the Government remain committed, depends on the availability of resources and competing priorities.

Claims Appeals

Number of Claims Decided in claimant's favour Appeals and references decided by medical board Decided in claimant's favour Appeals decided by medical appeal tribunal Decided in claimant's favour

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

1980 85,730 60,180 7,900 2,710 1,906 519

1981 60,770 41,440 7,120 2,270 2,454 691

1982 109,340 76,130 11,410 3,600 2,663 703

^*(21,240) ^*(17,130)

1983 126,300 86,300 12,970 3,890 3,070 1,000

^*(19,500) ^*(16,450)

1984 (to 115,600 82,100

12 November) ^*(21,260) ^*(17,700) 13,260 4,270 3,436 948

Notes: Columns (1) and (2) for 1980 and 1981 figures for renewal claims are not available. For 1982 onwards such figures are shown separately in brackets marked ^* but included in the total. The figures for 1983 correct those given in a reply to the hon. Member for Burnley on 25 April [Official Report Vol. 58 column 562].

Columns (3) to (6)—Figures include renewal claims.

§ Mr. Sheerman
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services over each of the past five years, what was the average time required for each stage of a mobility allowance claim (physically and mentally handicapped) to be processed.

	Claims			Appeals
	Number of Claims	Decided in claimant's favour	Appeals and references decided by medical board	Decided in claimant's favour	Appeals decided by medical appeal tribunal	Decided in claimant's favour
	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)
1980	85,730	60,180	7,900	2,710	1,906	519
1981	60,770	41,440	7,120	2,270	2,454	691
1982	109,340	76,130	11,410	3,600	2,663	703
	^*(21,240)	^*(17,130)
1983	126,300	86,300	12,970	3,890	3,070	1,000
	^*(19,500)	^*(16,450)
1984 (to	115,600	82,100
12 November)	^*(21,260)	^*(17,700)	13,260	4,270	3,436	948
Notes: Columns (1) and (2) for 1980 and 1981 figures for renewal claims are not available. For 1982 onwards such figures are shown separately in brackets marked ^* but included in the total. The figures for 1983 correct those given in a reply to the hon. Member for Burnley on 25 April [Official Report Vol. 58 column 562].
Columns (3) to (6)—Figures include renewal claims.