Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Disabled People: Additional Costs

Wednesday 25 October 2023 · 3 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

  • Government has provided over 94 billion in support for disabled people from 2022 to 2024.
  • An additional 4.4 million is available in Gorton and Denton through the Household Support Fund.
  • Minister committed to improving waiting times for Access to Work customers through digitisation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
NHS Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Andrew Gwynne is concerned about the disproportionate impact of rising costs on households with disabled members, highlighting higher living expenses and employment barriers.

Question

What recent estimate has been made regarding additional costs affecting households with disabled people? The Minister knows that rising costs have a negative impact on disabled individuals. They face higher living costs and barriers to employment. Does she agree targeted action is needed, such as disability pay gap reporting?

Answer from Mims Davies

The Government has provided over £94 billion in support from 2022 to 2024 and an additional £150 for more than 6 million disabled people. In Gorton and Denton, an extra £4.4 million is available through the Household Support Fund. This is not a matter for the Department for Work and Pensions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about disability pay gap reporting was not addressed directly.

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Q2 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Employment Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

Andrew Gwynne is seeking to address the financial difficulties faced by his disabled constituents, emphasizing the importance of targeted support.

Question

The Minister knows that rising costs disproportionately affect disabled people. They face higher living expenses and employment barriers. Does she accept that targeted action, including disability pay gap reporting, is needed?

Answer from Mims Davies

The Household Support Fund provides additional £4.4 million in Gorton and Denton for disabled constituents and their carers. The Department for Work and Pensions is not responsible, but they will hear his concerns.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the need for disability pay gap reporting or targeted action.

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Q3 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Caroline Nokes is concerned about the delays in Access to Work grants, which can cause financial strain for disabled individuals needing equipment such as powered wheels.

Question

Funds are available through Access to Work but there are significant delays. Disabled people face additional costs like £6,000 for powered wheels and must pay upfront on credit cards. Will the Minister work with DWP colleagues to ensure no delays in accessing necessary funds?

Answer from Mims Davies

An additional £300 cost of living payment will be given from next Tuesday. Waiting times for Access to Work customers are being improved through digitisation. The Minister spoke about this matter with a constituent, and they will hear concerns again.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to eliminating delays in Access to Work grants.

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