§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the benefit structure for disabled people with costs other than those relating to mobility and attendance.
§ Mr. ScottThe existing benefits structure already recognises that disabled people have extra costs. The OPCS surveys found that attendance allowance and mobility allowance are well directed towards the most common of the more costly disabilities. Equally important, these benefits provide help to people with other disabilities which are frequently combined with locomotion or self-care disabilities. The new disability allowance will build on that framework by offering a relatively simple and readily understood benefit to both severely and moderately disabled people.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the structure of benefits for disabled people and their carers.
§ Mr. ScottOur proposals to improve the balance and structure of social security benefits for disabled people and their carers are set out in "The Way Ahead: Benefits for Disabled People" (Cm 917), laid before the House on 10 January. In 1993–94 the changes will add some £300 million to the £8.3 billion we are already spending on benefits for long-term sick and disabled people and their carers.