Written question asked by Barbara Follett (Labour) on Monday, 28 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the merits of extending mortgage assistance to those on incapacity benefit. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Barbara Follett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the merits of extending mortgage assistance to those on incapacity benefit. [224432] Maria Eagle: The Government believes that homeowners should take responsibility for ensuring that mortgage payments are made when they are unable to work. Help with mortgage interest is already available to those on incapacity benefit, who are also entitled to income related benefits. We believe that this is the best way of ensuring assistance is targeted at those who need it most. We have no plans to extend this assistance to non income-related benefits.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1265W;432 c1262-3W; 224432
Session: 2004-05
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Benefits rules Incapacity benefit Mortgages Social security benefits
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk