§ Mr. Terry Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list the medical conditions which qualify claimants to additional payments for extra baths;
(2) what recent changes have been made in defining the circumstances in which claimants suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and diabetes can qualify for additional requirements payments for extra baths.
§ Mr. LyellAdditional supplementary benefit for baths is payable in respect of any person who, on medical grounds, needs more than one bath a week. It is for the individual adjudication officer to decide, with medical advice if necessary, whether or not the person meets the criteria for payment. Guidance to adjudication officers on the supplementary benefit legislation is issued by the chief adjudication officer and published in the S manual, a copy of which is in the Library. The guidance on eligibility for additional benefit for baths is at paragraphs S4531–4532. there have been no recent changes in definition in the relevant areas.
§ Mr. Terry Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the total number of payments for additional requirements for extra baths to claimants suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and diabetes in each of the years 1980 to 1985, inclusive.
§ Mr. LyellThe total number of persons in respect of whom additional supplementry benefit for bath was paid is as follows:
Number of persons (thousands) 1980 Nil 1981 1 1982 3 1983 13 1984 31 Source: Annual Statistical Enquiries.
No information is available about the particular grounds for the awards.