§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the number of claimants of incapacity benefit who will be eligible for income support for the period(a) between the 28th and 52nd week of incapacity and (b) from the end of the first year; and what are the estimated savings in each case.
§ Mr. ScottWe estimate that around 25 per cent. of people awarded incapacity benefit after April 1995 will also be entitled to income support between the 28th and 52nd weeks of incapacity; and that around 30 per cent. will be entitled to income support after 52 weeks. We estimate that the introduction of the higher rate of short-term incapacity benefit between the 28th and 52nd weeks of incapacity will produce net savings of around £110 million in 1995–96, and around £150 milliion in 1996–97; and that the introduction of long-term incapacity benefit after 52 weeks will produce net savings of around £20 million in 1995–96, and around £170 million in 1996–97.
Notes:
i. All estimates are expressed in constant 1993–94 prices, rounded to the nearest £10 million, and net of offsetting changes in income-related benefit expenditure.
ii. Estimates take account of the effect on incapacity benefit recipients of the planned changes in the qualifying conditions for the disability premium paid with the income-related benefit.