HC Deb 25 February 1987 vol 111 cc318-9W
Mr. Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the median average period during which individual recipients are in receipt of: (a) attendance allowance and (b) mobility allowance.

Mr. Major

I regret that information is not available in the form requested. The latest available information about the periods for which attendance allowance and mobility allowance are awarded is set out in the tables.

(a) Awards of attendance allowance made during 1986
Duration of awards (years) Number at higher rate Number at lower rate
less than 1 547 781
1 and over but less than 2 7,312 11,943
2 and over but less than 3 12,601 19,162

Duration of awards (years) Number at higher rate Number at lower rate
3 and over but less than 4 4,905 6,921
4 and over but less than 5 1,641 2,632
5 and over 5,427 9,640
For life 63,955 96,425

(b) Awards of mobility allowance current at 13 February 1987
Duration of award (years) Number
1 13,180
Over 1 and up to and including 2 24,600
Over 2 and up to and including 3 5,430
Over 3 and up to and including 4 640
Over 4 but not up to age 75 17,310
Up to age 75 379,340
For life under the Mobility Allowance (Vehicle Scheme Beneficiaries) Regulations 1977 25,300

Mr. Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he proposes to seek to alter present criteria governing rules for (a) attendance allowance and (b) mobility allowance.

Mr. Major

We have no plans to do so.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many are in receipt of (a) mobility allowance and (b) attendance allowance; how many mobility allowance and attendance allowance recipients receive supplementary benefit or are dependants of someone receiving supplementary benefit: and what is his estimate as to the proportion of such people who either recieve a higher rate heating addition for themselves or have one paid to the head of the household on their account for the latest available year.

Mr. Major

[pursuant to his reply, 4 February 1987, c. 696]: The latest available information is as follows:

  1. 1. Number of recipients (thousands)
    1. (a) Mobility allowance 466 February 1987
    2. (b) Attendance allowance 585 March 1986
  2. 2. Number of supplementary benefit recipients (thousands) with:
    1. (a) Mobility allowance 37 December 1984
    2. (b) Attendance allowance 154 December 1984
  3. 3. Percentage with supplementary benefit higher rate heating addition
    1. (a) Mobility allowance 91.7 December 1984
    2. (b) Attendance allowance 81.3 December 1984