§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what categories of unemployment claimants are entitled to the higher rate weekly income disregard; and what plans there are to extend this concession to other categories.
§ Mr. PortilloUnemployed claimants are entitled to the higher disregard on earnings if they are receiving, or satisfy the condition for receiving, the disability premium or the lone parent premium; or are members of a couple who have been in receipt of benefit continuously for two years. Certain types of employment also attract the higher disregard, namely, employment as a part-time fireman, an auxiliary coastguard, in the part-time manning or launching of a lifeboat and a member of any territorial or reserve force.
There are no plans to extend this concession.