§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations his Department has received from social workers specialising in work with kidney patients about changes in social security regulations affecting people on dialysis; if there is any action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottCorrespondence was received last year from the renal special interest group of the British Association of Social Workers, and subsequently from the right hon. Member and other hon. Members on behalf of the association and others, about the replacement of the supplementary benefit scheme by the new income support scheme and its effect on kidney patients.
The rates of income support which my right hon. Friend announced on 27 October provide a substantial overall increase for disabled people. Furthermore, those claimants whose income support entitlement is less than their supplementary benefit entitlement at the point of change will have their existing benefit levels maintained. As the right hon. Member is aware, a major survey into the numbers, needs and circumstances of disabled people has been undertaken by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys and the first results of this survey will be published next year. The effect of the premium arrangements on the needs of kidney patients will be looked at in the light of these results.