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10 Jan 2011 : Column 114W—continued

Departmental Travel

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on grey fleet in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10. [28846]

Chris Grayling: The DWP spent the following on grey fleet:

£

(a) 2008-09

10,223,023

(b) 2009-10

9,749,839


Disability Living Allowance

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what account he took of his Department's policy of personalisation in developing his proposals for the removal of the mobility component of disability living allowance from those in residential care homes. [30729]

Maria Miller: The Government are committed to increased personalisation of care services including for those individuals in residential care settings. This will help ensure services are tailored to the needs of each individual. The maze of legal duties, contractual obligations and service levels related to the various funding streams available to disabled people, including DLA mobility component, will need to be clarified to facilitate personalised support in the future.

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in residential or nursing home care in (a) the North West and (b) Warrington were in receipt of disability living allowance in each of the last five years. [31598]

Maria Miller: Reliable estimates of total disability living allowance claimants in residential care homes are not available as we are unable to identify accurately DLA claimants who meet the full cost of their residential care.

Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost of administering the (a) higher and (b) lower rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance received by people living (i) in residential care and (ii) independently in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [31662]

Maria Miller: The way in which management information is captured means that we are unable to provide an estimate of the cost to the public purse of administering individual components of disability living allowance to specific groups or recipients.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 115W

Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people living (a) in residential care homes and (b) independently who receive the mobility component of disability living allowance work (i) under 10 hours a week, (ii) between 10 and 16 hours a week, (iii) between 16 and 40 hours a week and (iv) over 40 hours a week; and if he will make a statement. [31771]

Maria Miller: Reliable estimates of the numbers of mobility component claimants in residential care homes who work is not available.

The Family Resources Survey estimates that around 15% of all mobility component recipients are in work.

Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people living (a) in residential care and (b) independently who receive the mobility component of disability living allowance and who lease or own (i) a car and (ii) a motability scooter paid for from that allowance; and if he will make a statement. [31772]

Maria Miller: The numbers and types of vehicles held by Motability customers in Great Britain who forgo all or part of their higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance are given in the following table.

Numbers and types of vehicles held by Motability customers in GB

Number

Cars

564,809

Scooters

8,017

Wheelchairs

1,415


Motability estimate that around 12,000 of this total customer base live in residential care homes. They are not able to break this figure down further between people on the car scheme and people on the powered wheelchair and scooter scheme.

Disability Living Allowance and Means-tested Benefits

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people aged between 18 and 65 receive disability living allowance and a means-tested benefit. [31894]

Maria Miller: The estimated number of claimants aged between 18 and 65 receiving disability living allowance and a means-tested benefit at the end of May 2010 was 911,230.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 116W

Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library a copy of each item of correspondence with (a) organisations representing disabled people and (b) local authorities on the subject of removing from care home residents eligibility for the mobility element of disability living allowance. [29022]

Maria Miller: As at 6 December 2010, a search of the available data in the Department's ministerial correspondence system has identified five pieces of correspondence addressed to Ministers from organisations representing disabled people on the subject of removing from care home residents eligibility for the mobility element of disability living allowance; the search has not identified any correspondence addressed to Ministers from local authorities on this matter.

The five pieces of correspondence identified have been placed in the Library.

Local authority contracts with care homes will cover services to meet a resident's assessed needs. This will cover activities of daily living which may include providing access to doctors, dentists and local services such as libraries and banks. In addition, care homes are required where practicable to promote the independence, participation and community involvement of their residents.

This is a highly complex area in terms of both funding streams and the different responsibilities of all the parties involved and there are a maze of legal duties, contractual obligations and service levels to take into account. For example, NHS-funded individuals in residential care do not receive the DLA mobility component, while those funded by local authorities do.

Disabled people and their representatives can put forward their views on this proposal as part of the wider DLA reform consultation document, which was published on 6 December 2010; copies of which are available in the Library.

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what legal advice his Department has sought from the Attorney-General on the compatibility of his Department's proposed removal of the mobility component of disability living allowance from long-stay residents of local authority-funded care homes or colleges from October 2012 with the Government's statutory equality duties; and if he will make a statement. [29561]

Maria Miller: By long-standing convention, observed by successive administrations and embodied in the Ministerial Code, the fact that the Law Officers have advised (or have not advised) on a particular issue, and the content of any advice, is not disclosed outside Government.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 117W

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2010, Official Report, column 789W, on disability living allowance: care homes, whether his Department plans to make additional resources available to local authorities to meet the needs of residents following the removal of the mobility component of the disability living allowance for people in residential care. [31362]

Maria Miller: The Government set out the departmental resource allocations in the Spending Review announcement on 20 October 2010.

Local authority contracts with care homes will cover services to meet a resident's assessed needs. This will cover activities of daily living which may include providing access to doctors, dentists and local services such as libraries and banks. In addition, care homes are required where practicable to promote the independence, participation and community involvement of their residents.

This is a highly complex area in terms of both funding streams and the different responsibilities of all the parties involved and there are a maze of legal duties, contractual obligations and service levels to take into account. For example, NHS-funded individuals in residential care do not receive the DLA mobility component, while those funded by local authorities do.

People are also invited to put forward their views on this proposal as part of the wider DLA reform consultation document which was published on 6 December 2010. This can be found on the Department's website at:

The consultation ends on 14 February 2011.

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received from local authorities on his decision to remove the mobility component of disability living allowance for people in residential care. [31366]

Maria Miller: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave on 7 December 2010, Official Report, column 161W, to the right hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander).

Disability Living Allowance: Mental Health

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the effects on levels of mental health and wellbeing of recipients of the mobility component of disability living allowance in local authority-funded nursing homes and colleges of his Department's proposed removal of the mobility component from October 2012. [29735]

Maria Miller: Care homes are required, where practicable, to promote the independence, participation and community involvement of their residents. Local authority contracts with care homes will cover services to meet a resident's assessed needs. This will cover activities of daily living which may include providing access to doctors, dentists and local services such as libraries and banks.

Consideration was given to the equality impacts of the measure when the proposal was being developed. The Equality Impact Assessment for removing the mobility
10 Jan 2011 : Column 118W
component of disability living allowance from state funded care home residents after 28 days will be published with the proposed legislation.

People are also invited to put forward their views on this proposal as part of the wider DLA reform consultation document which was published on 6 December 2010. This can be found on the Department's website at:

The consultation ends on 14 February 2011.

Employment and Support Allowance

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what interim arrangements he plans to put in place for people with (a) mental health conditions and (b) chronic fluctuating conditions who apply for employment and support allowance pending the implementation of the recommendations of the independent review led by Professor Malcolm Harrington. [32422]

Chris Grayling: As identified by Professor Harrington during his Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), we believe that the principles of the assessment are right, but that the system which we inherited contained some flaws that risked undermining its effectiveness.

We are committed to taking forward the review's recommendations so that we can make the system fairer for claimants and fairer for the taxpayer. This is an ongoing process of improvement, so I am delighted that Professor Harrington has agreed to take on the second Independent Review of the WCA.

As with other fluctuating and chronic health conditions it is important that the WCA takes account of fluctuating mental health symptoms when assessing capability for work, it is not a snapshot view of a customer's ability to undertake day-to-day activities at any single point in time, but rather an assessment of their ability most of the time. The recommendations of the Harrington review will help us to improve the process, including for people with fluctuating mental health conditions.

Mental, intellectual and cognitive champions are due to be launched by Atos Healthcare during the first quarter of 2011, so that they are in place in time for reassessment of individuals from incapacity benefits. The champions will spread best practice regarding mental, intellectual and cognitive conditions and also handle more difficult cases.

Additionally, as you may be aware, Professor Harrington has asked Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, also involving Mencap and the National Autistic Society to provide recommendations on refining the mental, intellectual and cognitive descriptors within the WCA. We look forward to receiving these recommendations shortly.

Employment and Support Allowance: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has assessed the merits of exempting people diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis from the work capability assessment for employment
10 Jan 2011 : Column 119W
and support allowance pending the implementation of the recommendations of the independent review led by Professor Malcolm Harrington. [32423]

Chris Grayling: We recognise that ME has a wide spectrum of symptoms and can be a severely debilitating condition. The effects of ME on an individual may contribute to someone meeting the entitlement conditions for benefits.

However, the WCA is a functional assessment. Eligibility is not based on having a particular condition but on the impact that condition has on an individual's functional ability. This is why it is important for us to assess each claimant individually, and why no particular conditions are 'exempted' from the WCA.

We are working to implement Professor Harrington's recommendations as quickly as possible. Moreover, as part of his second independent review of the WCA, Professor Harrington is focusing in particular on the assessment of fluctuating conditions, such as ME. He will review and recommend improvements to the assessment, and we look forward to receiving his recommendations.

Employment and Support Allowance: Livingston

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of claimants of employment and support allowance in Livingston constituency have been judged fit for work since May 2008; how many appeals against such determinations were initiated; and how many such appeals were granted. [32433]

Chris Grayling: Employment and support allowance (ESA) was introduced in October 2008. Information is not available at the constituency level, so instead data has been provided for the West Lothian local authority area, which covers the Livingston constituency.

Between October 2008 and February 2010 (the latest figures available), there have been 2,870 ESA claims received in the West Lothian local authority. Of these, 1,280 or 44%, have been found fit for work.

There have been 380 appeals against a fit for work decision heard by the end of July 2010 for claims that started between October 2008 and August 2009. Of these, 180 found in favour of the appellant meaning their eligibility for ESA was reinstated.

The Department regularly publishes official statistics on ESA and the work capability assessment. The latest report was published in October 2010 and can be found on the departmental website at:

Employment Schemes: Contracts

Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to set a limit on the amount each approved prime contractor under the Work Programme can charge for administration purposes when sub-contracting provision. [32912]


10 Jan 2011 : Column 120W

Chris Grayling: As part of the procurement process we will be asking bidders for a full breakdown of their costs for delivery including administration and will look to see that they are fair and reasonable set against their overall delivery proposals. The Department will not be seeking to limit or cap any provider's spending on administrative costs under the Work Programme as this may constrain delivery ability/options available to Prime Providers.

Employment Schemes: Further Education

Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for further education colleges in the provision of training under the Work Programme; and what discussions (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have had with Ministers in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on the role of further education colleges in the Work Programme. [32913]

Chris Grayling: As part of their wider remit of supporting customers to move off benefits and into sustainable employment, Work programme providers should consider any outstanding skills needs. Work programme providers will be able to refer eligible customers to flexible skills provision on offer locally. Alternatively they may decide to deliver training and skills support in-house or buy this in.

We are not specifying who providers should use to deliver training and skills support, but will reward the result of successfully overcoming a customer's barriers and moving them into sustained employment.

In designing the Work programme we have had and continue to hold ongoing discussion with other Government Departments including the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Work programme customers with skills barriers to employment will have the same access to Government funded flexible skills provision on offer locally as other non-work programme customers on active benefits.

Skills for Sustainable Growth, published by BIS in November 2010, sets out the Government's strategy for skills in England. DWP Ministers and officials helped to formulate this strategy and the DWP continues to work closely with BIS on the proposals to support customers on active benefits (jobseeker's allowance and employment and support allowance (work-related activity group)) to access state-subsidised, accredited training relevant to the local labour market. The proposals give training providers greater freedom to tailor training to the needs of the local community and economy. Jobcentre Plus will have an important role influencing the local training offer, engaging with employers, colleges and providers.

Future Jobs Fund: Waltham Forest

Dr Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many young people from Waltham Forest participated in the Future Jobs Fund in 2009-10; and what the employment status of each is. [32919]

Chris Grayling: Just over 300 young people from Waltham Forest have participated in the Future Jobs Fund between 1 October 2009 and the end of July 2010. This figure is derived from the latest Young Person's
10 Jan 2011 : Column 121W
Guarantee official statistics published on 13 October 2010. The Department does not keep records of the current employment status of individuals after they have left jobs supported through the Future Jobs Fund.

Housing Benefit: Fuel Poverty

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to use the housing benefit system to address the increase in the level of (a) fuel poverty and (b) child poverty. [30171]

Steve Webb: Housing Benefit Reform is part of a radical reform of the benefit system, which will lead to the introduction of Universal Credit. Universal Credit will create a simpler integrated system of support and improve work incentives by enabling people to keep more of their income in work. We expect that the first new claims to Universal Credit will begin from 2013.

The primary purpose of Housing Benefit is to provide help with the costs of housing. The Department will be taking forward a programme of evaluation and monitoring of Housing Benefit Reforms as they are rolled out.

Winter fuel payments provide reassurance to older people that they can turn their heating up in the winter. In winter 2009-10 we made over 12.6 million winter fuel payments. This winter we will continue to pay the winter fuel payment at the higher rate of £250 and £400 depending on age and circumstances.

Cold weather payments provide additional support to the most vulnerable in periods of exceptionally cold weather. The Government have announced that the temporary increase in cold weather payment of £25 for each week of cold weather will be made permanent.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 122W

Housing Benefit: Job Seekers Allowance

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the average period of time for which claimants will continue to receive jobseeker's allowance (JSA) after the reduction in the level of their housing benefit payments after having been in receipt of JSA for 12 months; and what the average period of time was for which claimants remained on JSA after having been in receipt of payments for 12 months in the latest period for which figures are available. [27435]

Steve Webb: Information on the average period of time for which claimants will continue to receive jobseeker's allowance (JSA) after the reduction in the level of their housing benefit payments after having been in receipt of JSA for 12 months is not available.

For those claimants who ceased to claim JSA in Great Britain in the period August to October 2010, and had been in receipt of JSA for at least 12 months, the average claim was 18 months.

Housing Benefit: Liverpool

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many working families in Liverpool are in receipt of housing benefit. [31775]

Steve Webb: The following table provides the number of housing benefit recipients in Liverpool local authority by family type, passported indicator and employment flag. There are 5,880 families in Liverpool that are not in receipt of a passporting benefit, receive housing benefit and are in employment.

All claimants Passported Non-passported

All Not in employment In employment

All family types

63,570

48,940

14,450

8,570

5,880

Single, no child dependant

40,380

32,010

8,220

6,560

1,660

Single with child dependant(s)

14,420

10,700

3,720

770

2,950

Couple, no child dependant

5,470

4,030

1,410

1,090

320

Couple with child dependant(s)

3,290

2,190

1,100

160

950

Notes: 1. The figures have been rounded to the nearest ten. Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended payment cases. An extended payment is a payment that may be received for a further four weeks when they start working full time, work more hours or earn more money. 3. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data is available monthly from November 2008 and September 2010 is the latest available. 4. People claiming housing benefit not in receipt of a passported benefit are recorded as being in employment if their local authority has recorded employment income from either the main claimant, or partner of claimant (if applicable), in calculating the housing benefit award. Employment status is not available for passported benefit recipients. 5. Passported status does not include recipients with unknown passported status. Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE), September 2010.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many households in Liverpool, Wavertree constituency receive local housing allowance at the rate for a five bedroom property; [31776]

(2) how many households in (a) Liverpool, Wavertree constituency and (b) Liverpool receive over £250 per week in local housing allowance for a one bedroom property; [31777]

(3) how many households in (a) Liverpool, Wavertree constituency and (b) Liverpool receive over £400 per week in local housing allowance for a three bedroom property; [31779]

(4) how many households in (a) Liverpool, Wavertree constituency and (b) Liverpool receive over £340 per week in local housing allowance for a two bedroom property. [31780]


10 Jan 2011 : Column 123W

Steve Webb: The Department published a document on "Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12" on 23 July, which is available on the Department for Work and Pensions website.

Tables 22 and 23 of this document present estimates of the impact of the housing benefit caps and table 35 presents the total number of households in each bedroom category, for each local authority.

Information at the constituency level is not available.

At present geographic breakdowns are only available for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the data; this will include parliamentary constituencies.

Housing Benefit: Scotland

Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average amount of local housing allowance paid for each tenure type was in (a) Dumfries and Galloway local authority area and (b) Dumfries and Galloway constituency in the most recent period for which figures are available. [31536]

Steve Webb: The local housing allowance arrangements only apply to those living in the deregulated private rented sector. In September 2010, the average weekly housing benefit in Dumfries and Galloway local authority was £77.97 per week.

This information is not available at constituency level.

Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many recipients of (a) housing benefit and (b) local housing allowance in (i) the Dumfries and Galloway local authority area and (ii) Dumfries and Galloway constituency share their tenancy with a non-dependent for which a deduction is made from their entitlement. [31538]

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available at the local level.

The Department does collect information on non-dependant deductions but to assess the completeness of recording and quality assure the figures would incur a disproportionate cost.

Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) the Dumfries and Galloway local authority area and (b) Dumfries and Galloway constituency receive local housing allowance. [31540]

Steve Webb: At September 2010, our records show that in Dumfries and Galloway local authority there were 1,690 recipients of housing benefit assessed under the local housing allowance arrangements.

Information at the constituency level is not available. At present geographic breakdowns are only available for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is
10 Jan 2011 : Column 124W
being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the data; this will include parliamentary constituencies.

Independent Living Fund

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what consultation was undertaken before making the decision to restrict the criteria for applications for funding under the Independent Living Fund in 2010-11. [31194]

Maria Miller: The decision to limit new applications to those in employment for more than 16 hours per week was taken under the previous Government. I understand that no formal consultation occurred before this decision was made.

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received from local authorities on his proposals to phase out the Independent Living Fund. [31195]

Maria Miller: Local authorities will be able to make formal representations concerning the future of the independent living fund when we publish the consultation document. This will be published after the commission on the long-term funding of adult social care has reported.

Industrial Health and Safety

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) which Minister in his Department has lead responsibility for the implementation of recommendations of Lord Young's review of health and safety; [32553]

(2) what timetable he has established for the implementation of the recommendations of Lord Young's review of health and safety. [32554]

Chris Grayling: The key implementation milestones for the recommendations of Lord Young's health and safety review are shown at Annex M to his report 'Common Sense, Common Safety', which was published on 15 October 2010. The milestones were agreed by Lord Young with the Department or body responsible for taking forward each recommendation.

As Minister with responsibility for the Health and Safety Executive, I have lead responsibility within the Department for Work and Pensions for the implementation of those recommendations of Lord Young's review which fall to the Department or the Health and Safety Executive.

Institute for Fiscal Studies

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 24 November 2010, Official Report, columns 357-58W, on the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), what contracts his Department had with the IFS between 2003-04 and 2010-11; what the monetary value was of each such contract; and what tender process was undertaken in each case. [28825]


10 Jan 2011 : Column 125W

Chris Grayling: The majority of contracts awarded to the Institute of Fiscal Studies by DWP between 2003-04 and 2010-11 were for Social and Economic Research. The contracted amounts for each project are shown in the following table.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 126W
Contract name Tender process Value (£)

Childcare use and parents employment

Open Competition

39,320

Including Disabled People and their partners in a dynamic model of Labour Market transitions

Open Competition

37,155

Lone Parent Pilots Impact Assessment. August 2004-March 2010

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

495,561

Newborns and new schools-Critical times for women's employment. March 2005-September 2005

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

48,520

Retirement Savings Incentives. August 2005-October 2005

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

15,320

Ethnic Parity in Jobcentre Plus Programmes and Mainstream Services. February 2006-December 2007

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

160,000

Impact Evaluation of NNI using DWP administrative data (Part of the overall NNI evaluation being conducted by IFS). February 2006-April 2006

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

32,400

ELSA secondary analysis: Characteristics of those with inadequate retirement incomes. March 2006

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

3,090

Employment Transitions and Partnership Histories. May 2006-March 2007

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

59,310

Retention, progression and advancement for low income families. October 2007-November 2008

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

69,605

Life time earnings and retirement income outcomes. January 2008-October 2008

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

50,000

The living standards of families reporting low incomes. August 2008-February 2009

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

72,364

EWL Segmentation Work-Stage 1 (Formerly 'Characteristics of those aged around the state pension age who are in and out of paid work: stage 1'. December 2008-February 2009

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

17,020

What does the distribution of wealth tell us about future retirement resources?: Analysis of Wealth and Assets Survey. October 2009-March 2010

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

29,990

IFS HBAI Project 02/03

Contract let by single tender

30,765

IFS HBAI Project 03/04

Contract let by single tender

29,902

IFS HBAI Project 04/05

Contract let by single tender

34,569

IFS HBAI Project 05/06

Contract let by single tender

38,093

IFS HBAI Project 06/07

Contract let by single tender

49,904

IFS HBAI Project 07/08

Contract let by single tender

48,818

IFS HBAI Project 08/09

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

52,080

IFS HBAI Project 09/10

Let through the DWP Social and Economic Research Framework

53,265

Total

1,519,131


The discrepancy of £169,989 (to the answer of 24 November 2010, Official Report, columns 357-8W) is due to the spend details coming from our Accounts payable records and they do not necessarily match contract values.

Jobcentre Plus: Greater London

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the surface area is of each jobcentre in each London borough. [32918]

Chris Grayling: The internal surface area by square metre of each Jobcentre building in each London borough is listed in the following table.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 127W
District Site Boroughs Square Metre

NNE

Barking

Barking and Dagenham

2,967

NNE

Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham

1,102

NNE

Romford

Havering

3,183

NNE

Hornchurch

Havering

1,155

NNE

Redbridge

Redbridge

1,800

NNE

Leytonstone

Waltham Forest

2,001

NNE

Walthamstow JC

Waltham Forest

1,677

NNE

Barnet

Barnet

1,365

NNE

Edgware,

Barnet

1,204

NNE

Hendon,

Barnet

1,433

NNE

Finchley,

Barnet

703

NNE

Enfield

Enfield

1,015

NNE

Palmers Green

Enfield

1,210

NNE

Edmonton

Enfield

667

NNE

Tottenham

Haringey

1,545

NNE

Wood Green

Haringey

1,382

CL

Kentish Town

Camden

999

CL

Highgate

Islington

2,709

CL

Barnsbury

Islington

1,535

CL

Finsbury Park

Islington

1,428

CL

North Kensington

Kensington and Chelsea

1,251

CL

St Marylebone

Westminster

2,950

CL

Westminster

Westminster

1,243

SL

Bexleyheath

Bexley

2,070

SL

Bromley

Bromley

5,464

SL

Croydon

Croydon

1,546

SL

Purley

Croydon

791

SL

Thornton Heath

Croydon

959

SL

Woolwich

Greenwich

2,112

SL

Eltham

Greenwich

764

SL

Lewisham

Lewisham

2,305

SL

Forest Hill

Lewisham

1,679

SL

Mitcham

Merton

971

SL

Sutton

Sutton

2,321

SL

Twickenham

Richmond upon Thames

1,214

SL

Kingston

Kingston Upon Thames

2,999

LSW

Kennington Park

Lambeth

2,580

LSW

Stockwell

Lambeth

1,459

LSW

Streatham

Lambeth

3,013

LSW

Brixton

Lambeth

4,008

LSW

Clapham Common

Lambeth

1,120

LSW

London Bridge

Southwark

1,482

LSW

Peckham

Southwark

1,669

LSW

Camberwell

Southwark

876

LSW

Wandsworth

Wandsworth

1,775

WL

Harlesden

Brent

2,721

WL

Kilburn

Brent

1,341

WL

Willesden

Brent

4,334

WL

Wembley

Brent

1,378

WL

Ealing

Ealing

1,600

WL

Southall

Ealing

1,041

WL

Acton

Ealing

3,804

WL

Fulham

Hammersmith and Fulham

3,149

WL

Hammersmith

Hammersmith and Fulham

1,981

WL

Shepherds Bush

Hammersmith and Fulham

1,120

WL

Harrow Kings House

Harrow

2,752

WL

Harrow Station Road

Harrow

887

WL

Uxbridge

Hillingdon

1,136

WL

Hayes

Hillingdon

910

WL

Hounslow

Hounslow

4,730

C and E

Hoxton

Hackney

2,060

C and E

Dalston

Hackney

1,137

C and E

Stratford

Newham

1,362

C and E

Canning Town

Newham

1,220

C and E

Plaistow

Newham

1,219

C and E

East Ham

Newham

743

C and E

Poplar

Tower Hamlets

2,002

C and E

City

Tower Hamlets

2,149

C and E

Hackney

Hackney

2,230


Jobseeker's Allowance: Young People

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people aged 18 to 24 years had been receiving jobseeker's allowance for more than nine months in October 2010. [31211]

Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.

Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated December 2010:

Motability: Scotland

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2010, Official Report, column 789W, on disability living allowance: care homes, how many users of the Motability scheme there are in Scotland. [31361]

Maria Miller: Motability is an independent charitable organisation and is wholly responsible for the administration of the Motability scheme. Motability has advised that there are around 60,000 users of the Motability scheme in Scotland.

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2010, Official Report, column 819W, on disability living allowance: care homes, how many claimants of disability living allowance, who live in residential care and will be affected by his proposed reforms, live in Scotland. [31365]

Maria Miller: We estimate that approximately 6,000 people who claim the mobility component of disability living allowance and live in residential care in Scotland will be affected by the measure to cease paying the mobility component from October 2012.

National Insurance: Fraud

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of the level of fraudulent use of national insurance numbers; and what steps he is taking to reduce the fraudulent use of such numbers. [30318]

Chris Grayling: The national insurance number is a unique personal reference number used for tax, national insurance, state benefits and credits and student loans. Estimates of national insurance numbers that are used fraudulently are not available.

DWP has robust gateway checks in place to prevent national insurance numbers being used fraudulently for benefit purposes. Where the Department identities that a national insurance number has been used for attempted benefit fraud or is aware that a national insurance number may be vulnerable to fraudulent use, the relevant national insurance number account is annotated accordingly on DWP systems and any subsequent benefit claim using that national insurance number would automatically be subjected to close scrutiny and, if appropriate, be referred to DWP's Fraud Investigation Service. The Department currently has 8,500 accounts marked as vulnerable.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 129W

In addition, as part of the adult national insurance number process, robust identity verification checks are in place to prevent fraudsters acquiring national insurance numbers. During 2009-10, Jobcentre Plus refused to allocate national insurance numbers on 47,000 applications.

New Deal Schemes

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many episodes of work have been mandated since the introduction of the Flexible New Deal; how many individuals have participated in such episodes; and how many sanctions have been issued for non-compliance. [28204]

Chris Grayling: This information is not available in the format requested.

North East

Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which Ministers in his Department have visited the North East since their appointment; and what the (a) date and (b) purpose was of each such visit. [31795]

Chris Grayling: The Minister for Pensions went to the north-east on 6 October where he visited the Newcastle Pension Centre to meet local staff and then travelled onto the Trinity Community Centre in Gateshead to meet older members of the community who use the centre.

Pension Credit

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to reform the administration of pension credit. [31603]

Steve Webb: DWP Ministers are currently looking at options to simplify the state pension system for future pensioners and also wider welfare reform. Any change to pension credit will be considered as part of these reviews.

Pensions: Publicity

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase the level of information his Department provides to the public on (a) auto-enrolment and (b) National Employment Savings Trust pension schemes amongst (i) employers and (ii) employees. [32579]

Steve Webb: The Department will deliver communications and information to individuals and support the Pensions Regulator's engagement with employers and their intermediaries by raising awareness of the reforms and automatic enrolment.

Firstly on automatic enrolment:

(i) Employers

The Pensions Regulator is responsible for providing information about how employers can comply with their new duties and their communication and education campaigns are designed to achieve this.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 130W

The Regulator will be writing to all employers several times ahead of their staging date telling them what their staging date is and directing them to the website where they will be able to find out all the information they will need about how to comply with the reforms.

We continue to work closely with the Regulator to ensure that there is coherent and consistent information available to meet the needs of employers.

(ii) Employees

Current plans are to make information and guidance available to all individuals so that in the run up to automatic enrolment and beyond people will have access to information about pensions. Our information service will be a key part of our wider communications plans to support the reforms, and will explain the reforms in a simple and accessible way. Information about automatic enrolment will be presented as part of wider information on retirement planning.

We will ensure that information is available in a range of accessible and relevant formats, including online, via telephone, and in print where appropriate.

We are also working with key information partners to signpost to more specialist, independent or more general financial information as part of our strategy. In particular we are working with the Pensions Advisory Service and the Consumer Financial Education Body

There is currently some outline information on the DWP website which explains the reforms at the following web address:

Secondly on increasing information on NEST:

The NEST Corporation will provide information about NEST to employers, employees and third parties. The information will aim to support employers who may be considering the option of choosing NEST for their employees and will aim to support scheme members in their decision making, such as fund choice.

The information will be supported by communications and information from DWP and the Pensions Regulator on the introduction of automatic enrolment.

NEST is now a scheme in its own right and is subject to the same legal requirements as other trust-based occupational pension schemes. It will be required to provide a range of information related to the scheme to various parties including participating employers and scheme members.

Poverty: Children

Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the number of children in Dartford constituency living in (a) absolute and (b) relative poverty. [31856]

Maria Miller: Estimates of the number and proportion of children living in poverty are published in the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) series. HBAI uses household income adjusted (or "equivalised") for household size and composition, to provide a proxy for standard of living.

As they are based on survey data, child poverty estimates published in HBAI only allow breakdowns to Government office region and analysis by parliamentary constituency is not possible. However, figures for South East of England are set out in Table 1.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 131W
Table 1: Number and percentage of children living in (a) absolute poverty Before Housing Costs and (b) relative poverty in the South East of England, Before Housing Costs (BHC)
Period Absolute poverty Relative poverty

Number (million) Percentage Number (million) Percentage

2006-07 to 2008-09

0.2

9

0.3

15

Notes: 1. These statistics are based on Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 3. The reference period for Households Below Average Income figures are single financial years. Three survey years have been combined as regional single year estimates are subject to volatility. 4. Numbers of children in low-income households have been rounded to the nearest 100,000, while proportions have been rounded to the nearest percentage point. 5. These statistics are based on incomes Before Housing Costs. 6. Each of the measures is defined as: Relative poverty: percentage of children living in households with less than 60% of contemporary median household income. Absolute poverty: percentage of children living in households with less than 60% of 1998-99 median household income held constant in real terms. Source: Households Below Average Income, DWP.

Social Security Benefits

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to support long-term claimants of jobseeker's allowance in areas where New Deal contracts will cease to take new referrals from the end of December 2010 before the Work Programme commences. [31381]

Chris Grayling: We want to ensure that as many people benefit from the Work Programme as soon as possible, and will launch the Work Programme as soon as providers are ready to start delivery in each contract package area. We aim to have the new Work Programme in place nationally by the summer of 2011.

We are determined to ensure that there is continuity of provision, and that the transition to the Work Programme does not leave any customer unsupported. Therefore, New Deal and Employment Zone contracts will be extended until June 2011, ensuring that customers referred to these programmes in March will be supported until the summer, by which time the Work Programme will have been rolled out.

Before their referral to the Work Programme, customers will have access to support delivered through Jobcentre Plus, including access to work experience, help to volunteer or take advantage of peer-to-peer support, as well as help with basic skills or jobsearch techniques and access to the Jobcentre Plus Flexible Fund.

Social Security Benefits: Drugs

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many problem drug users resident in (a) Chatham and Aylesford constituency, (b) Medway constituency and (c) Tonbridge and Malling constituency were in receipt of incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance in each year since 2005; [31103]

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of people in (a) Medway constituency, (b) Tonbridge and
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Malling constituency and (c) Chatham and Aylesford constituency in receipt of out-of-work benefits who are unable to work as a result of (i) alcohol and (ii) drug dependency. [31104]

Maria Miller: As outlined in the Government's recently published 2010 Drug Strategy, substance dependency is one of the most damaging root causes of poverty, and helping people who are trapped on benefits through drug and alcohol addiction to recover and find employment is a top priority for this Government.

Such information as is available is presented in the following tables.

Information on the numbers of problem drug users (those using heroin and/or crack cocaine) who claim incapacity benefit or severe disablement allowance is not available at the geographical breakdown requested. Table 1 shows the numbers of people in receipt of these benefits who declare that their main disabling condition is dependency on any drug. It should be noted that these figures represent a subset of all such claimants with a drug problem as those who do not report drug dependency as their main disabling condition are not captured.

Similarly, information on the number of people in receipt of out of work benefits, who are unable to work as a result of a drug or alcohol dependency, is not available at the geographical breakdown requested. Table 2 shows all claimants in receipt of disability benefits who have declared drug or alcohol abuse as the main disabling condition. These figures represent a subset of all working-age benefit recipients with a drug or alcohol dependency, as claimants who do not record these as their main disabling condition are not captured, nor are people on jobseeker's allowance or income support for whom this information is not recorded.

Table 1: Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance claimants with drug abuse as main condition: May 2005-May 2010
Parliamentary constituency (pre-2010 boundaries) May 2005 May 2006 May 2007 May 2008 May 2009 May 2010

Chatham and Aylesford

50

50

60

70

60

60

Medway (Rochester and Strood for May 2010 figures only)

50

60

60

70

60

40

Tonbridge and Malling

10

20

20

20

10

10

Notes:
1. Data are rounded to the nearest 10 claimants.
2. These figures refer to claimants whose problems relate to any drugs (including prescription ones). Claimants who do not report drug dependency as their main disabling condition are not captured, meaning that these figures represent a subset of all such claimants with a drug problem.
3. Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance were replaced by employment and support allowance (ESA) for new claimants in October 2008.
4. Drug dependency does not of itself confer entitlement to disability benefits, this is determined by a persons capability or capacity for employment. Where individuals with a substance dependency are in receipt of such benefits it will be because they have other diagnoses, for example mental illness, which limit their capability for work.
5. Figures for May 2010 are for Rochester and Strood as the parliamentary constituency boundary for Medway was revised for the 2010 general election, and as a result was largely incorporated into Rochester and Strood by the Boundary Commission for England in 2010.
Source:
DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS).

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Table 2: Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance and employment and support allowance claimants with alcoholism or drug abuse as a main condition-May 2010
Parliamentary constituency (2010 boundaries) Alcoholism Drug abuse

Chatham and Aylesford

70

70

Rochester and Strood

60

60

Tonbridge and Malling

20

20

Notes:
1. Data are rounded to the nearest 10 claimants.
2. These figures refer to claimants whose problems relate to alcohol or any drugs (including prescription ones). Claimants who do not report drug or alcohol dependency as their main disabling condition are not captured, nor are people on JSA or IS for whom this information is not recorded, meaning that these figures represent a subset of all claimants with a drug or alcohol problem.
3. Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance were replaced by employment and support allowance (ESA) for new claimants in October 2008.
4. Drug or alcohol dependency does not of itself confer entitlement to disability benefits; this is determined by a persons capability or capacity for employment. Where individuals with a substance dependency are in receipt of such benefits it will be because they have other diagnoses, for example mental illness, which limit their capability for work.
5. Parliamentary constituency boundaries were revised for the 2010 General election. Medway constituency was largely incorporated in to Rochester and Strood by the Boundary Commission for England in 2010.
Source:
DWP Information Directorate 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS).

Social Security Benefits: Scotland

Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many recipients of local housing allowance who have been in receipt of jobseeker's allowance for more than 12 months live in (a) the Dumfries and Galloway local authority area and (b) Dumfries and Galloway constituency. [31537]

Steve Webb: The information is not available.

Information is collected on the number of claimants in receipt of a passporting benefit, which includes income-based jobseeker's allowance.

However neither the total number of jobseeker's allowance claimants receiving housing benefit nor the duration of such claims is available.

Social Security Disability Living Allowance Regulations 1991

Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to amend the Social Security Disability Living Allowance Regulations 1991 to allow families to continue to receive disability living allowance when their children are in hospital or other care settings. [32330]

Maria Miller: Payment of disability living allowance and carers allowance continues to be made to children under 16 years in a hospital or a similar institution for the longer period of 84 days to avoid terminating payment of benefit for relatively short periods in hospital.

Whereas those aged 16 and over retain payment of disability living allowance for 28 days, under 16s have a longer period of 84 days in recognition of the special needs that they may have for support from their parents while they are adjusting to hospital life.

To leave benefit in payment indefinitely would mean that the Government were making provision twice for the same basic need, which would not be an effective use of taxpayers' money.


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State Retirement Pensions

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people receive the basic state pension. [30835]

Steve Webb: 11,268,300 people were in receipt of the basic state pension in March 2010.

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on the amendment of the terms of the second state pension to enable those aged under 45 years with no dependent children to receive additional benefits accrued by their deceased spouses or civil partners; and if he will make a statement. [31514]

Steve Webb: A small number of individual representations regarding the benefits available to people who are bereaved aged under 45 years with no dependent children have been received.

As is the case for all benefits, bereavement benefits are kept under constant review. Any potential change to bereavement benefits in the future would be considered within the context of wider welfare reform and our commitment to create and deliver a 21(st) century welfare system.

Travel to Interview

Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will take steps to ensure that jobseekers living in rural areas with few transport connections are not disadvantaged by the use of a distance criterion rather than a travelling time criterion when being considered for financial support provided by Jobcentre Plus for travelling to interviews; [32166]

(2) if he will assess the merits of measuring the qualifying distance for financial assistance under the Jobcentre Plus travel to interview scheme by travelling time rather than mileage; [32167]

(3) what distance a jobseeker must travel to attend an interview to qualify for financial assistance under the Jobcentre Plus travel to interview scheme. [32168]

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.

Letter from Ruth Owen:

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what strategy his Department has in place to ensure the implementation of obligations arising from the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; and by what means he expects the Office for Disability Issues to discharge its role as both the focal point and coordinating mechanism for implementation of that convention. [32035]

Maria Miller: The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) is designated as the UK Government focal point for work on the UN convention on the rights of disabled people under article 33 of the convention. The ODI is working with Departments across Westminster, and with the devolved Administrations to implement and report on the convention. This work includes raising awareness of the convention's obligations so that Departments are aware of their responsibility to take it into account in the development and implementation of policies which may affect disabled people, and coordinating the UK Government report to the United Nations.

ODI is working directly with disabled people, including disabled children, in order to raise awareness of the convention and learn about their views on how the UK is implementing it, in the spirit of article 33(3) of the convention. This includes working with a convention working group chaired by the UK Disabled People's Council (UKDPC), and supporting a number of convention-related awareness and training events organised by UKDPC.


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ODI is also working with the four UK equality and human rights commissions which have been designated as the independent monitoring and reporting mechanism for the convention under article 33(2). ODI has supported a number of events held by the commissions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to raise awareness, and help inform the reporting process.

The wider Department for Work and Pensions is also committed to implementing the convention in relation to its policy and delivery activities. It is working closely with ODI and will be contributing to the UK Government report in 2011.

Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to implement its obligations arising from the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in respect of (a) Article 8, (b) Article 12, (c) Article 19, (d) Article 27, (e) Article 28 and (f) other Articles of that convention. [32039]

Maria Miller: The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to the UN convention on the rights of disabled people, and to protecting the rights of disabled people and promoting choice and control in their daily lives.

In respect of article 8, the Department has made a strong public commitment to the social model of disability, and the Office for Disability Issues has been working closely with the equality and human rights commissions across the UK to raise awareness of the convention.

In respect of article 12, the Department has made good progress in developing a review process for benefit appointees, with a view to removing the reservation to article 12(4). This is a major undertaking because there are close to 900,000 DWP customers with appointees.

In respect of article 19, we launched the Right to Control on 13 December. This is a new legal right to give disabled people control over the support they receive. Disabled people can choose how to spend funding they receive from six different sources in order to maximise their choice and independence. Right to Control is being tested in seven local authority areas in England, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and disabled people's organisations.

In respect of article 27, we launched Work Choice on 25 October 2010. Work Choice provides tailored support to help disabled people who face the most complex barriers to employment. It supports them to find employment and stay in work and ultimately helps them progress into unsupported employment. Work Choice is voluntary and available regardless of any benefits being claimed.

In respect of article 28, the Department is playing its part in tackling the deficit and bringing spending under control. The Department remains committed to supporting the people who need it most, and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. We are committed to understanding the impact of our policies on disabled people and will be undertaking equality impact assessments, which will be made public.

As regards the wider convention, the Department recognises the principle of involvement of disabled people in the development of policies that affect them, and is engaging with disabled people on key changes such as the reform of disability living allowance.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 137W

The UK Government will report to the UN in July 2011 setting out how implementation of the convention has been achieved across Government. DWP officials are working with officials at the Office for Disability Issues in preparing the report, and this will set out in more detail what the Department is doing to meet its obligations across the convention as a whole, including articles 8, 12,19, 27 and 28.

Universal Credit

Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in respect of which marginal deduction rates will increase consequent on the implementation of his proposals for a Universal Credit. [32131]

Chris Grayling: Following full implementation of Universal Credit, marginal deduction rates will reduce for around 1.5 million workers in total, with the average (median) reduction in marginal deduction rate being 20 percentage points. As part of this, Universal Credit will particularly improve earnings incentives for 700,000 low-earning workers, reducing the highest marginal deduction rates from 95.8% to around 76%.

The Government are committed to ensuring that no-one loses as a direct result of these reforms and we expect 350,000 children and 500,000 working-age adults to be moved out of poverty. We also anticipate that the Universal Credit will reduce the number of workless households by around 300,000.

Around 2 million workers will see an increase in their marginal deduction rates with a median increase of just 4 percentage points, and none of these households will be worse off financially when they move to Universal Credit. A change in marginal deduction rate does not mean a change in what a family receives, only a difference in how much of their benefit they retain as they increase their hours worked or earnings marginally. Indeed, many of these families will see this change in their marginal deduction rates because Universal Credit allows low-earning households to keep more of their benefit, so as a consequence some households who previously received no state support will now do so. They will therefore have an increased marginal deduction rate but a higher income, as they are now receiving support which is withdrawn where previously there was none. Other households among this group will receive more than they previously did-and hence be better off financially. Some households will see a slight increase in deduction rates but they and their families will see no actual loss at the point of change, because they will be transitionally protected.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether any Universal Credit payments attributable to official error will be recoverable from recipients as debts. [29619]

Chris Grayling: As announced in the joint DWP/HMRC strategy paper, 'Tackling fraud and error in the benefit and tax credits systems', we will be bringing forward proposals in the Welfare Reform Bill to widen the range of working age benefit overpayments we can recover and this will include those resulting from official error. While the Department must take responsibility for its mistakes, that does not give people the right to keep taxpayers' money that they are not entitled to.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 138W

However, we recognise that recovery will not be appropriate in all cases, and the legislation will be supported by a code of practice which will set out the type of case where recovery action will not be taken. This will include overpayments arising from official error where the customer accepted the payment in good faith and where, given the customer's circumstances, it would be unreasonable for the money to be repaid.

Winter Fuel Payments: Appeals

Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average waiting time for an appeal decision on a rejected Winter Fuel payment claim was in the latest period for which figures are available. [31887]

Mr Djanogly: I have been asked to reply.

The average waiting time for an appeal decision on a rejected Winter Fuel payment, in April to June 2010 (the latest period for which data is available), was 7.47 weeks from receipt at the Tribunals Service to promulgation.

Work Programme

Miss Begg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with existing charitable providers of welfare to work services on the introduction of the Work Programme. [32132]

Chris Grayling: DWP continues to engage and acknowledge the vital role the voluntary and community sector plays in helping people back to work through the delivery of its employment programmes. This business can be either direct, by winning departmental contracts, or indirect, working as partners with or sub-contractors to the Department's prime contractors.

During the autumn and early winter we have held events across Great Britain to engage voluntary and community sector organisations in our plans for the Work Programme and the commercial opportunities it presents. We also supported events with the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) Association of Learning Providers (ALP) and the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI).

In December I wrote to representative groups from the sector encouraging them to ensure their members are aware of the opportunity the Work Programme presents for them to market their value and work with larger delivery partners in delivering contracts.

DWP hosted an event on 20 December with small providers to encourage them to strengthen their hand in their dealings with prime providers and become an active participant in delivery of the Work programme.

Small businesses and voluntary organisations provide significant contributions to welfare to work provision where their specialist and local expertise can add great value. In preparing for the Work Programme the Department has engaged with these organisations to gain their views and encourage them to become involved. It has taken steps to encourage potential prime contractors to come together with a range of partners and sub-contractors where they could add value to bids and will run local events to help prime-contractors understand the needs and issues within each locality so they can put together appropriate supply chains for that area.


10 Jan 2011 : Column 139W

DWP is competitively neutral in letting its contracts. However, it recognises the value specialist and voluntary sector organisations can add in the delivery of welfare to work services. We actively encourage them to form partnerships and join up their expertise and financial resources to bid as a consortium to deliver our programmes directly or alternatively, market their expertise to the prime supplier as subcontractors.

We are supporting partnership discussions using the Indus Delta website, hosted by the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI), to provide a facility for potential Framework organisations and supply chain partners to make first contact with each other.

Organisations are also encouraged to use the Merlin Web Portal:

that was launched on 25 November. This provides free support to smaller, specialist and voluntary sector providers in applying to prime providers to become part of their supply chain.

Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to award additional prime contracts with new providers in the initial contract period of the Work programme. [32196]

Chris Grayling: We are soon to complete the Employment Related Support Services Framework which will have some providers/organisations who have not previously delivered Welfare to Work Provision for the Department.

Successful framework providers will shortly be invited to tender for the Work programme which will roll out nationally from summer 2011. The results from this competition will not be available until May 2011.

In addition, those organisations who are on the framework will have the opportunity to compete for further work in future competitions both for DWP, and other Government Departments.

Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what evidence he considered from previous contracts held by his Department when deciding the length of contracts under the Work programme; and if he will make a statement. [32197]

Chris Grayling: Our experience has shown that longer contracts are a more commercially attractive proposition and are likely to attract wider market interest. A longer contract will also offer stability for providers enabling them to continue to invest in delivery and further increase the prospects of DWP customers entering and sustaining employment.

Working Time Directive

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what information his Department holds on the number of employees who have opted out of the provisions of the Working Time Directive. [31612]

Chris Grayling: On 30 November 2010 there were 29 employees in the Department for Work and Pensions who had opted out of the working time directive.


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Energy and Climate Change

Departmental Public Consultation

Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many consultations his Department has undertaken lasting (a) less than six weeks, (b) six to 12 weeks and (c) over 12 weeks in each of the last three years. [32471]

Gregory Barker: DECC consultations follow the Government Code of Practice on consultations:

This recommends that, under normal circumstances, consultations should last a minimum of 12 weeks but acknowledges that deviation from the code will, at times, be unavoidable when running a formal, written consultation.

Since DECC was formed in October 2008, consultations have been run for the following periods:

Consultations
Number

12 weeks or longer Six to 12 weeks Less than six weeks

2008

2

1

0

2009

25

8

2

2010

19

14

8


Electricity: Licensing

Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the likely change in energy costs for consumers that will result from his proposals to ensure third-party access to licence-exempt electricity networks in (a) ports, (b) railway stations, (c) London Underground stations, (d) industrial estates, (e) marinas, (f) airports and (g) caravan parks. [32469]

Charles Hendry: The provision of third party access to unlicensed networks will enable consumers of those networks to take advantage of the competitive energy market by choosing their energy supplier. In their 2008 Energy Supply Probe the energy regulator, Ofgem estimated that customers switching their energy supplier could make a saving of up to 6% on their energy costs.

Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what factors he took into account in determining the length of the consultation period on the provision of third party access to licence-exempt electricity and gas networks. [32470]

Charles Hendry: DECC consultations follow the Government code of practice on consultations

This recommends that, under normal circumstances, consultations should last a minimum of 12 weeks but acknowledges that deviation from the code will, at times, be unavoidable when running a formal, written consultation.

The five week consultation period on the provision of third party access to licence-exempt electricity and gas networks was determined on the basis that it was a final detailed consultation that followed both the formal 12 week consultation that set out the Government's
10 Jan 2011 : Column 141W
policy intentions and a call for evidence that sought stakeholder views. It also followed an extensive stakeholder engagement programme. The details of that programme, which included a workshop and numerous bilateral meetings, can be found in my answer to PQ 27009, 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 12W.

Energy: Heating

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many new build non-residential properties were built with ground
10 Jan 2011 : Column 142W
source heat pumps in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007, (d) 2008 and (e) 2009. [32399]

Gregory Barker: The Department does not hold information on the overall number of new build non-residential properties constructed with ground source heat pumps (GSHP). These works are carried out by private contractors who have no obligation to inform the Government. Under the previous low carbon buildings programme, the following numbers of grants for ground source heat pumps for new-build non-residential properties were given between 2005 and 2009.

Non-residential 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total

GSHP grants

0

0

2

21

34

57

GSHP grant value (total)

0

0

43,777

260,928

672,252

976,957

GSHP approx capacity KW

0

0

57.5

304.6

664.5

1,026.6


Energy: Prices

Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received from energy providers on (a) recent and (b) forthcoming energy price increases. [31999]

Charles Hendry: DECC Ministers and officials meet with suppliers on a regular basis to discuss market issues. Ofgem monitors the market closely and reports quarterly on retail prices. Their latest report shows large increases in estimated supplier margins for the year ahead, largely due to recent price increases. We are disappointed on behalf of consumers by this development and welcome the announcement of Ofgem's review of the retail market.

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2010, Official Report, column 808W, on energy: prices, (1) when he expects the Energy Intensive Industry Strategy to be completed; when he plans to make an announcement on that strategy; and if he will make a statement; [32324]

(2) what policy options he is considering for energy-intensive industries where further cost-effective abatement opportunities are not available in the short term. [32325]

Charles Hendry: All sectors of the economy need to make significant improvements in energy efficiency if we are to meet our legally binding carbon and renewables targets. Improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions-as part of our transition to a low carbon economy-will require significant investment and innovation but will also bring benefits by lowering costs, making businesses more competitive and opening new markets. The Energy Intensive Industry Strategy will examine the implications and opportunities of this transition for that sector.

I will consider policy options once the ongoing research and analysis to support the Energy Intensive Industry Strategy has been completed.

The coalition Government plan to publish their findings in the spring.

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had on electricity price rises attributable to his proposals for electricity market reform with representatives of energy companies. [32366]

Charles Hendry: The Secretary of State has regular meetings with energy companies during the course of his normal departmental and parliamentary business.

Before the consultation on Electricity Market Reform was published on 16 December 2010 it was not possible to have any detailed discussions about the impact of policy proposals on electricity prices as the details of these policy proposals were not public. However, during the consultation period and in the period up to the White Paper in 2011 the Secretary of State will have discussions with energy companies and a wide range of others about the electricity market reform proposals, including issues related to prices and measures to reduce energy consumption.

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will assess the effects on each decile of the population by income of the average change in electricity bills attributable to his proposals for electricity market reform in each of the next five years. [32367]

Charles Hendry: On 16 December 2010, Government launched consultations on a package of options for reforming the electricity market. The preferred package is to have a feed-in-tariff with a 'contract for difference' model for supporting low-carbon generation in combination with a targeted capacity mechanism, carbon price support and an emissions performance standard.

The impact assessment accompanying the consultation provides insights into the affordability of the reform options for different households by looking at the increase in the electricity bill for 2020 as a percentage of total household expenditure (when compared to a baseline absent the reforms). This analysis for 2020 in relation to the preferred package of reforms is presented in the following table along with additional estimates for 2013 and 2016. Estimates for other years are not available. The table shows for example, the bottom income decile
10 Jan 2011 : Column 143W
in 2013 will spend an extra 0.03% of its expenditure on electricity as a result of the proposed reforms.

Impact of preferred reform options on electricity spending as a percentage share of total expenditure
Income decile 2013 2016 2020

Bottom

0.03

0.18

0.09

2

0.03

0.18

0.09

3

0.02

0.13

0.06

4

0.02

0.11

0.05

5

0.02

0.10

0.05

6

0.01

0.08

0.04

7

0.01

0.07

0.03

8

0.01

0.06

0.03

9

0.01

0.05

0.03

Top

0.01

0.04

0.02


Although the proposed reforms may cause a small increase in electricity bills in the short term, by 2030 electricity bills are expected to be lower than they otherwise would be (in the absence of the reforms).


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