asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will estimate the cost of amending benefit rules so that, where a person is in receipt of benefits and they undertake some paid involvement as allowed when requested by a public authority (a) the reimbursed expenses for a replacement carer, child care, provision of a personal assistant or support worker are treated as necessary expenses; (b) the reimbursed costs of travel from home to the place of involvement are treated as necessary expenses; (c) where a person chooses to advise the public authority on a voluntary basis, the application of the national earnings rule is removed; (d) payment for involvement is paid on either a monthly, quarterly or annual basis rather than weekly; and (e) people living in residential care are allowed to keep any payments received. [HL1031]

It is not possible to estimate costs for the measures suggested owing to the lack of data.

Reasonable expenses paid to a customer who is engaged in volunteer activity of this kind can be wholly disregarded. Any expenses relating directly to paid activity can only be disregarded if they are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the work being undertaken. Each case is considered on its merits.

The rules try to strike a balance between providing incentives for those who are ready to return to employment, security for those who are unable to work, and fair treatment and support for those who can take limited steps towards work.

We are aware of the difficulties these rules may pose for some of our disabled customers. We are reviewing the rules in question and expect to make an announcement in the new year.