Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Freud (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 June 2010.

Benefits

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will change the criteria for housing single people dependant on alcohol or drugs so that they are paid no more non-housing benefits than the appropriate income support level without premiums.

Answer: A person who is dependent on drugs or alcohol receives out-of- work benefits on the same basis as any other person, namely by meeting the eligibility criteria for those benefits. A person meeting those eligibility criteria will not receive more or less income on the basis of being dependent—or not dependent—on drugs or alcohol. We have no plans to change that position. Addiction is one of the most damaging root causes of poverty. We will bring forward proposals to support drug and alcohol misusers whilst they recover from their addiction and tackle their barriers to work.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 697; 719 c243WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Benefits
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Alcoholic drinks Benefits rules Drugs Misuse Social security benefits Single people
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk