To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals will be prevented from claiming severe disability premium by the proposed change to regulation 3 of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987; and what saving the Department expects.

The amendment regulation restores the policy intention that the severe disability premium goes to people who live alone or with others on a commercial basis. The number of people who might have tried to establish a commercial relationship with members of their family who are close relatives, but for the amendment regulation, is not known. No savings are anticipated; the amendment avoids unplanned expenditure. Further, the amendment regulations contain preserved rights to the premium, at a cost of £5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people currently claim the severe disability premium on income support by having tenancy agreements with their families; how much it would cost to continue to allow such claims; and if he will make a statement.

The information is not available in the form requested. An estimated 3,000 people may be receiving the premium, or have taken steps to obtain it, on the grounds that since April 1988 they have become joint tenants or co-owners with close relatives with whom they live. The regulations laid on 21 October 1991 provide preserved rights to the premium for this group at an estimated cost of £5 million.