§ Sir Archy KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the(a) budget and (b) outturn for HC2 certificates and HC3 certificates were in (i) cash and (ii) real terms over the last 10 years; how many people have received HC2 certificates and HC3 certificates in each year since 1992; how many people in receipt of HC2 and HC3 certificates have also been in receipt of incapacity or invalidity benefit since 1992; and how many applications for help with health costs have been received in each of the last 10 years. [92627]
§ Mr. LammyI have been asked to reply.
The information available is shown in the tables.
It is not possible to estimate out-turn in respect of HC3 certificates, since the amounts remitted vary significantly depending on the amount which the holder of the certificate has been assessed as being able to contribute towards the cost.
There are no separate budgets for income lost and costs incurred as a result of the availability of help under the National Health Service Low Income Scheme.
§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in receipt of RPI uprated benefits were awarded HC2 and HC3 certificates in each year since 1992; and what percentage of recipients they represent.[97682]
§ Mr. Lammy[holding answer 13 February 2003]: I have been asked to reply.
753WThe available information is shown in the table.
NHS Low Income Scheme: estimated number of certificates issued in respect of England to people receiving RPI uprated benefits HC2 certificates issued to recipients of RPI uprated benefits (thousands) HC3 certificates issued to recipients of RPI uprated benefits (thousands) 2001–02 300 149 2000–01 302 128 1999–2000 288 148 1998–99 263 158 1997–98 312 160 Notes:
1. Data estimated from samples of claims, and refers to claims where either the claimant or their partner (or both) were recipients of one or more RPI uprated benefits.
2. Information is only available about the number of certificates issued. These can be used by the claimant and their partner (if they have one), so more than one person may be named on each certificate.
3. Information is not available for years before 1997–98.