§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he has introduced to increase the level of assistance made available to support severely disabled young children. [63510]
§ Mr. TimmsWe have announced several significant improvements in support for disabled children. In our consultation document, 'A New Contract for Welfare-Support for Disabled People', we announced our intention to introduce a Disability Income Guarantee for families on income-related benefits with disabled children who have the highest care needs as well as the extension of the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance to children aged three and four. From 1 July 1998, payments awarded under the Vaccine Damages Payments Scheme were increased from £30,000 to £40,000.