§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultation he has had with the local authority associations on the implications for local authorities of the social security changes effective from 11 April in regard to physically disabled people working in day centres; how many local authorities have had to abolish payments to disabled workers as an alternative to closing day centres down; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottDisabled people who receive income support and who are entitled to the disability premium are now entitled to a higher (£15) disregard if they work part time. Prior to 11 April they were entitled to a £4 disregard. Additionally, those whose earning capacity is reduced to 75 per cent. or less of what they could otherwise earn, may work an unlimited number of hours and remain entitled to benefit. We have not consulted local authorities on the 41W implications of these changes, which are entirely beneficial to the individual claimant. We are not aware of any local authority abolishing payments to disabled workers as a result of these changes.