HC Deb 19 November 1998 vol 319 c865W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the additional number of(a) men and (b) women who will receive means tested benefits as a result of the abolition of severe disablement allowance for adults. [60510]

Mr. Timms

Information on the additional number of men and women who will receive means tested benefits as a result of the reforms to Severe Disablement Allowance is not available. However, current statistical data indicate that nearly 70 per cent. of the 10,000 men and 6,000 women who will no longer be able to claim Severe Disablement Allowance will, as now, claim Income Support. Of the remaining 30 per cent., most will not qualify for Income Support due to the level of other income available to them and it is unlikely that they will do so in the future.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many adjudication officers are employed to assess(a) disability living allowance and (b) attendance allowance in disability benefit centres; and what arrangements are made in the event of adjudication officers being (i) sick and (ii) on leave; [60816]

(2) how many cases are outstanding because of a shortage of adjudication officers at disability benefit centres; [60817]

(3) what vacancies there are for adjudication officers at disability benefit centres. [60818]

Mr. Timms

I will write to the hon. Member.

Back to