§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the consultation process to be followed in the review of disability benefits, with particular reference to(a) the groups to be consulted and (b) the timetable for consultation. [24654]
§ Mr. DenhamWhen we have identified specific proposals for disability benefits we will consult disabled people, their organisations and others with an interest. At that point we will make decisions about the details of the consultation exercise, including the timetable. We will not make any changes without consulting on them.
§ Mr. O'HaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will make a statement on the amount spent on disability living allowance for people aged 65 years or over; [24868]
(2) if she will make a statement on the number of those aged 65 years or over who have received disability living allowance for each year since 1992. [24865]
§ Mr. DenhamThe information requested is given in the tables.
People aged 65 or over in receipt of disability living allowance (DLA) Thousands Year Number 1992–932 226 1993–942 258 1994–952 294 1995–962 333 1996–972 373 Source
1. Analytical Services Division: 5 per cent. data.
Notes:
1 Figures relate to people being paid the benefit and exclude those where payment is suspended.
2 Figures relate to the end of February. 373W
Estimated proportion of disability living allowance expenditure going to those aged 65 or over 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 Proportion of DLA expenditure going to those aged 65 or over (per cent.) 17 17 19 19 20 21 Amount (cash terms £ million) 340 480 580 730 870 1,020 Amount (real terms 1997–98 prices £ million) 380 530 630 770 900 1,020 Source:
1. The Government's Expenditure Plans 1997–98 to 1999–2000, DLA caseload statistics (5 per cent. sample) for the end of August in each year except 1992–93. February 1993 caseload data are the earliest available.
Notes:
1. Expenditure rounded to nearest ten million, percentages to nearest one per cent.