HC Deb 07 May 1998 vol 311 cc466-7W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have had(a) disability living allowance and (b) incapacity benefit withdrawn in each of the past five years. [40892]

Mr. Denham

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.

Awards of disability living allowance which ceased
Year Ceased awards
1993–94 98,000
1994–95 100,000
1995–96 111,000
1996–97 124,000
1997–98 144,000

Notes:

  1. 1. Based on 100 per cent. data rounded to the nearest thousand
  2. 2. Information is not available on the reasons for cessation, but these will include death, absence abroad, and non-renewal of a fixed period award, as well as withdrawal where the Benefits Agency found that the conditions of entitlement were no longer satisfied

Incapacity benefit recipients found capable of work
Date Numbers found capable of work
13 April 1995–31 March 1996 78,000
1 April 1996–31 March 1997 130,000
1 April 1997–31 March 1998 125,000

Notes:

  1. 1. A small number of cases which are not on the computer system are excluded
  2. 2. Based on 100 per cent. data rounded to the nearest thousand
  3. 3. Incapacity Benefit was introduced in April 1995. The figures include recipients who were disallowed benefit following application of the All Work Test (including those who did not attend the examination or did not return the questionnaire) or the Own Occupation Test. Benefit may subsequently be reinstated following appeal