§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many disabled people have been helped back into work through the disabled person's tax credit; and if he will make a statement. [143377]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Disabled Person's Tax Credit (DPTC) is open to people who work for 16 hours or more a week, have an illness or disability which puts them at a disadvantage in getting a job, and who are either receiving one of a range of incapacity or disability benefits at the time of their application or have been receiving certain benefits within the previous six months. In August 2000 over 25,000 disabled workers were benefiting from DPTC—37 per cent. more than were receiving Disability Working Allowance in July 1999. From October 2000, a new fast-track to DPTC was introduced to help people who have been sick for 20 weeks or more to remain in work.