Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Benefits Rates: People with Disabilities

Monday 6 June 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Christine Jardine raised concerns about insufficient support for people with disabilities due to rising costs.
  • The Minister acknowledged the government's action with a 22 billion package including disability cost of living payments.
  • The Minister stated the government is targeting support to those with the lowest incomes, including disabled individuals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of disability benefits amid a cost-of-living crisis disproportionately affecting disabled individuals. More than half of those living in poverty are either disabled or live with a disabled person.

Question

I am concerned that despite welcome increases, many constituents say existing help is insufficient due to rising costs. Will the Government consider further targeted support?

Answer from Chloe Smith

I share the hon. Lady's concern and acknowledge that the government has acted by providing a package worth over £22 billion, including DWP disability cost of living payments set to be made by September. We recognize these needs and prioritize support for those with disabilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific targeted further help was not committed beyond existing measures

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Some disabled individuals are set to lose £150 due to the removal of eligibility for warm home discount and receive an additional £150 from the cost-of-living emergency package. This offsets no gain, leaving them in dire financial straits.

Question

How does the Minister believe this merely offsetting move addresses the cost-of-living crisis faced by disabled people?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We are targeting support to households with the lowest incomes as advised by Resolution Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Foundation. We recognize additional costs faced by disabled people, hence we are putting in place a £150 targeted on those with means-tested lowest incomes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not directly address whether the approach genuinely alleviates cost of living for disabled individuals

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Q3 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Government's disability strategy was ruled unlawful by the High Court. NatCen Social Research reports highlight severe poverty among many disabled individuals.

Question

Given that some disabled people will not be better off with current measures, does the Minister think it is time to start listening to disabled people and addressing their cost of living crisis?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We are taking a means-tested approach as advised by Resolution Foundation, targeting support to those with the lowest incomes including disabled individuals on unemployment or universal credit.

Not addressed: Did not address why feedback from disabled communities has not led to more effective action

How: Changing Subject

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Q4 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The cost-of-living crisis disproportionately affects disabled individuals. More than half of those in poverty are either disabled or live with a disabled person.

Question

Given the inadequacies, will the Government provide additional targeted support to alleviate pressures on disabled individuals?

Answer from Chloe Smith

We are providing generous support and have acted with a £22 billion package, including DWP disability cost of living payments by September. We recognise the need here.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to further targeted help beyond existing measures

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