To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord McKenzie of Luton on 26 November 2008 (WA 296), whether they will consider non-housing benefits for single people currently dependent on alcohol or drugs if there is medical evidence that it would be in the interest of their health; and what are the health risks of paying such dependent people benefits beyond the basic level. [HL1220]

Benefits are awarded to people on the basis of them meeting the conditions of entitlement. People who are dependent on alcohol or drugs have to meet the same conditions of entitlement as any other claimant.

We have not conducted any research into the health consequences of awarding benefits to people who are dependent on alcohol or drugs. However, the measures included in the Welfare Reform Bill currently before Parliament are intended to support problem drug users to address their problems and to help them to return to work.