§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when earnings disregards for claimants were last reviewed; and what plans he has to increase them. [162572]
§ Mr. PondIncome-related benefits are intended to help people whose resources are insufficient to meet their day-to-day living expenses; any income that is available to meet those expenses is normally taken into account. However, as an incentive to those who wish to work part-time, a certain amount of part-time earnings can be disregarded.
All aspects of benefit payment, including these disregards, are kept under review in order to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of benefit and the best use of public funds. Earnings disregards were last increased in April 2001, when a higher rate of £20 was introduced for certain vulnerable groups, including disabled people, lone parents and carers.