Long-Term Sick and Disabled

HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1574-5W

Mr. Roy

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total spending on benefits for the long-term sick and disabled was in(a) 1990–91 and (b) 2000–01; and what change this represents in real terms. [69737]

Mr Nicholas Brown

We are committed to giving all people of working age the help and support they need to find jobs where they are able to do so, and providing security for those who are unable to work. Our New Deal for Disabled People and Jobcentre Plus are already helping more disabled people to get and keep jobs.

The information is in the table.

£millions
	1990–91	2000–01
Spending on Long Term Sick and Disabled people	7,052	19,261

This represents a growth in real terms of 7 per cent. per annum.

Source:

Departmental Reports 1995 and 2002.

Notes:

1. Real terms growth has been calculated using 2002–2003 prices.

2. Spending on those over working age has been excluded.