§ Lord Ashley of Stokeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What percentage of households containing one or more disabled persons receiving the higher or medium rate care component of disability living allowance or the higher mobility rate are in fuel poverty. [HL1200]
What percentage of households containing one or more disabled persons receiving either of the higher rates of disability living allowance are in fuel poverty. [HL1201]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)Information on fuel poverty is not available split by the rate of disability living allowance. However, figures are available on the percentage of households receiving the different components of the disability living allowance that are in fuel poverty. The latest available figures for England relate to 1996 and these are given in the table below. More up-to-date figures are not available at present.
Fuel poverty is a devolved matter and therefore it is for the respective assemblies and Parliament to report on the situation in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Percentage of households in receipt(1) of disability living allowance (DLA) in fuel poverty in England in 1996 Fuel poverty defined using income including housing benefit and ISMI(2) Fuel poverty defined using income excluding housing benefit and ISMI(2) Households in receipt of DLA care component 18% 24% Households in receipt of DLA mobility component 24% 32% Households in receipt of either care or mobility components of DLA or both 22% 30% Source: English House Condition Survey 1996
(1) The information in the table is based on the head of household or their partner receiving the disability living allowance.
(2) Fuel poverty defined as when a household needs to spend more than 10 per cent of its income (including housing benefit and income support for mortgage interest) on fuel in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.
(3) Fuel poverty defined as when a household needs to spend more than 10 per cent of its income (excluding housing benefit and income support for mortgage interest) on fuel in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.