HC Deb 15 December 1997 vol 303 cc70-1W
32. Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of people of working age currently receiving disability benefits she plans to assist to move from welfare to work. [19089]

Mr. Denham

The Government believe that work is the best form of welfare for people of working age. Up to £195 million, set aside from the Windfall Tax, will be used to finance a range of options aimed at helping people on disability benefits, in the most effective way possible, to move into or stay in work. As a first stage we are this week initiating the bidding process under which we will fund a number of innovative schemes. We also plan to introduce personal advisers to help people with a disability or long-term illness to overcome barriers to work, initially on a modest scale. These initiatives will inform decisions about how best to offer help to all those who need it.

36. Mr. Eric Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on welfare reform for disability benefits. [19093]

37. Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the provision of state benefits for disabled people. [19094]

Mr. Denham

I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) on 8 December 1997,Official Report, columns 451–52.

Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to investigate the extent of and reasons for the underclaiming of disability benefits amongst disabled people(a) in general and (b) by each main type of disability. [20705]

Mr. Denham

The information is not yet available. We are using the disability follow-up to the 1996–97 Family Resources Survey to measure the take up of disability benefits. The analysis will include investigation of the characteristics of recipients and entitled non-recipients as far as sample sizes allow. Results will be published towards the end of 1998.

Mrs. Ballard

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her policy on disability benefits. [19084]

Mr. Denham

We are committed to modernising the Social Security system so that it helps people to work as far as they are able; provides appropriate support to those who cannot work; and makes the most effective use of the resources available.

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