§ Mr. GrieveTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people received Government help with their care or mobility needs in(a) 1978–79 and (b) 1996–97. [10848]
§ Mr. DenhamThe information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table. This relates solely to help provided through social security benefits.
Thousands Benefit December 1979 May 1997 Attendance allowance 1269 21,174 Mobility allowance 3113 — Disability living allowance — 21,885
Thousands Benefit December 1979 June 1997 Constant attendance allowance 6 5 War pensions mobility supplement — 22 1Source: Estimated from a 100 per cent. count of statistical records adjusted to reflect estimates of the extent to which they overstate the number of live cases. 2 Source: 5 per cent. sample. 3 Source: 100 per cent. count. Figure does not include 24,000 awards of mobility allowance current under the Vehicle Scheme Beneficiaries Regulations 1977, formerly special mobility allowance. Notes:
1. Disability living allowance was introduced in April 1992. It replaced and considerably extended the help that was given by attendance allowance for people disabled before the age of 65, and mobility allowance.
2. War pensioners mobility supplement was not introduced until 1983.
3. In addition, care and mobility needs may also be met through the disability and higher pensioner premiums payable with income-related benefits.