§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in each of the last five years were(a) eligible for and (b) in receipt of direct payments, broken down by client group. [130873]
§ Dr. LadymanThe number of people eligible for direct payments is not available. Prior to April 2003 whether individuals were offered direct payments was a choice for each council so eligibility differed between areas. Since April 2003, it has been made a "duty" for each council to offer a direct payment, but eligibility will depend on a number of factors, including the person's ability to manage a direct payment. The number of people in receipt of direct payments between the years 1997–2000 is also not available. However, the number of adults aged 18 or over and in receipt of direct payments for the years 2000–01 and 2001–02, broken down by client group, is available and shown in the table.
1285W
Number of clients receiving direct payments (England) Rounded figures Primary client type 2000–01 2001–02 All client groups 5,000 6,300 Physical and sensory disability/frailty of which: 3,600 5,300 physical disability 2,800 3,600 hearing 1— visual 100 100 dual frailty 300 400 Learning disability 200 500 Mental health 100 200 of which: dementia 1— 1— Substance abuse 1— 60 Other vulnerable people 1,000 200 of which: asylum seekers 900 60 welfare benefits 0 0 1Figures less than 50.
Note:
2000–01 figures are based on 133 P2f forms.
2001–02 figures are based on 140 P2F forms.