§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what(a) financial and (b) other assistance is available to severely disabled under-fives who have difficulties in walking to allow access to the Motability scheme. [68697]
§ Mr. BayleyAccess to the Motability Scheme is via receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement. We recognise that Disability Living Allowance does not help with the mobility needs of severely disabled children under five years old, and this is why we have proposed extending the higher rate mobility component (currently worth £35.85 a week) to three and
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Capital limits Benefit/Capital limit As at April 1988 At April 1998 prices1 As at April 1990 At April 1998 prices As at April 1998 Income Support Lower Limit 3,000 4,611 3,000 3,899 3,000 Upper Limit 6,000 9,221 8,000 10,398 8,000 Child's Capital 3,000 4,611 3,000 3,899 3,000 Housing Benefit Lower Limit 3,000 4,611 3,000 3,899 3,000 Upper Limit2 6,000 9,221 16,000 20,796 16,000 Upper Limit3 8,000 12,249 — — — Child's Capital 3,000 4,611 3,000 3,899 3,000 Family Credit Lower Limit 3,000 4,611 3,000 3,899 3,000 Upper Limit 6,000 9,221 8,000 10,398 8,000 Child's Capital 3,000 4,611 3,000 3,899 3,000 Social Fund Regulated Under 60 500 768 500 650 500 Over 60 1,000 1,537 1,000 1,300 1,000 four year olds to help combat the disadvantage which they suffer. The change is intended to take effect from April 2001. This help will be neither means-tested nor subject to a contribution condition, and it will be tax-free. It will also allow access to the Motability Scheme under the normal rules.