§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to the effects on disabled and mature students dependent on single benefits of changes to the single payment regime; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe changes made to the Single Payments Regulations in August 1986 have not affected the ability of disabled students to qualify for single payments. Like any other claimants, they can be considered for help if they are entitled to weekly supplementary benefit. The regulations — particularly in relation to furniture, bedclothes, and clothing—provide specifically for those claimants who are chronically sick or disabled. Mature students, who can generally claim benefit only during the long vacation, have to qualify then for single payments on the same basis as other fit claimants under pension age.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many disabled and mature students are dependent on single benefits for bedding and heating; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottI regret that I am unable to supply the information required, as the existing statistics on the number of single payment claims for bedding and heating do not identify students as a separate claimant group.