§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how he intends to fund the independent living (extension) fund, the independent living (1993) fund and motability while the Disability (Grants) Bill is passing through the legislative process; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe Disability (Grants) Bill currently before Parliament will allow the Secretary of State to make grants to certain named organisations that help disabled people lead a more independent life in the community. These organisations are the independent living (extension) fund, the independent living (1993) fund, and motability.
I am pleased to be able to announce the launch today of these new funds for independent living. The extension fund will continue to pay cash to everyone who is currently receiving money from the ILF, while the 1993 fund, in conjunction with local authorities will begin to accept new applications.
Parliamentary approval of expenditure on these new services will be sought in the 1993–94 main estimate for the housing benefit administration and council tax benefit administration, payments into the social fund in respect of discretionary expenditure, and other grants vote—class XIII vote 3. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £42,400,000 will be met by repayable advances from the contingencies fund.
Contrary to Government accounting conventions, expenditure on these new services was included in the 1993–94 main estimate for class XIII, vote 3 in advance of the necessary legislation achieving Second Reading. The provision in question, totalling £120,277,000 will not be used for this or any other purpose until the enabling legislation has come into force.