§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current practice of the mobility allowance unit in respect of the period for which mobility allowance to disabled people is awarded; and what is the relationship between the period of award and eligibility for the mobility scheme.
§ Mr. ScottDecisions on eligibility and the duration of an award are for independent adjudicating authorities in446W accordance with the appropriate legislation. The minimum period awarded is one year and the maximum is until the disabled person reaches age 80.
The minimum period of award required to take advantage of the motability scheme is three years for a leased vehicle. To purchase on hire purchase requires an award of two years for a second-hand vehicle, or four years for a new one.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his Department's policies on the award of mobility and attendance allowance pending the introduction of disability allowance in 1992; and whether he has any information on the number of people currently receiving mobility allowance who will receive the lower rate of allowance when the new disability allowance is introduced.
§ Mr. ScottAwards of attendance allowance and mobility allowance will continue to be made on the same basis as they are now until disability living allowance is introduced in April 1992. People who are in receipt of mobility allowance at the point of change will be automatically transferred to the higher rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance.