§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on how income support for the mentally handicapped is calculated regarding training, education, employment and other day care elements now; and how it is planned to be changed after 1 April 1993.
§ Miss WiddecombeIncome support is calculated in accordance with the relevant regulations by reference to the individual's circumstances including any recognised extra expenses, and other income or capital. Mentally handicapped people undergoing training, education, employment or receiving day care are eligible for income support on the same terms as other disabled people. There are special rules to enable disabled people to retain the disability premium during training and to encourage them to take up employment or advanced education. Severely disabled young people may be entitled to income support while undertaking full-time non advanced education or if they are unable to participate in youth training. These special rules are likely to continue after April 1993. The provision of day care by local authority social services departments and community care arrangements from April 1993 are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.