HC Deb 10 May 1999 vol 331 cc54-5W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the total number of disabled people who will receive an increase in their income as a result of the disability income guarantee. [83608]

Mr. Bayley

We are committed to ensuring that resources are directed towards those that need them most. The consultation document "A new contract for welfare: Support For Disabled People" published last October indicated that we expect some 175,000 disabled people and families with the highest care needs to benefit from the higher premium as a result of the disability income guarantee.

Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the total number of disabled children whose benefit will increase as a result of the higher rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance being extended to children aged(a) three and (b) four years of age. [83609]

Mr. Bayley

It is estimated that 3,000 three year-olds and 5,000 four year-olds will benefit in 2001–02 when eligibility for the higher-rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance is extended to children aged 3 and 4.

Mr. Gordon Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to increase assistance with mobility costs available to disabled pensioners not in receipt of disability living allowance. [83253]

Mr. Bayley

Assistance for people disabled later in life with costs associated with mobility, among the other requirements of daily living, is the subject of specific discussions being held with groups representing disabled people.

We have also taken a number of steps to improve the financial support available to all elderly people. These include the introduction of a Guaranteed Minimum Income for pensioners from April 1999, by increasing Income Support for the poorest pensioners by three times the normal price up-rating and an increase in the level of winter fuel payment which means that, from next winter, every eligible pensioner household will receive £100. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has committed us to a "minimum guarantee on tax". No pensioner whose income falls below a specified level will pay Income Tax.

In terms of other help with transport costs some help already exists, for example through the disabled person's rail card. Local authorities also have discretionary power to make special transport provision for disabled people, including elderly people. We have also announced our intention to introduce a national, standard minimum for concessionary fare schemes for people of pension age. It will require each local authority to make available at least half-fares on buses for all pensioners on purchase of a £5 annual bus pass.