HC Deb 12 February 1998 vol 306 cc391-2W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the Government's policy towards disability benefits for those with acute disabilities. [29201]

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. Benefits for people who are sick or disabled, and their carers, are part of our comprehensive spending review. The review is on-going and no decisions on future policy have yet been made.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will review the procedures under which those with acute disabilities have their benefit reduced. [29203]

Mr. Denham

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) are available for severely disabled people to help meet the extra costs associated with disability. Entitlement is determined by the level of help needed with personal care and/or getting around.

The Benefit Integrity Project helps ensure the correctness of awards of DLA. Up-to-date information is being gathered from those getting benefit about their care and mobility needs, so that we can check that they are receiving the correct amount of DLA.

It is important that decisions about benefit entitlement are made fairly and are seen to be fair. From 9 February we have taken action to improve the quality of decisions made by the Project which involve a reduction or removal of benefit. No decision resulting in reduction or removal of entitlement to DLA will be made solely on the evidence provided by the claimant—there will always be additional evidence to support the decision. This new initiative underlines our determination to act properly to get the benefit right, to listen and to act upon any concerns.