Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 June 2002. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 June 2002 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 impact being an elected local government councillor has on an individual's ability to claim incapacity benefit; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what impact being an elected local government councillor has on an individual's ability to claim incapacity benefit; and if he will make a statement. [61948] Mr. Nicholas Brown: Incapacity benefit is intended for people who are unable to work due to their illness or disability. Benefit is not therefore normally payable to people who work and receive an income. There is, however, an exception for local authority councillors. This special provision recognises the particular obligations placed on councillors by disregarding all work carried out in connection with their elected office in deciding entitlement to incapacity benefit. Any allowances paid are only taken into account if they exceed the permitted work rules limit of £66.00 in any week. In this event, benefit is reduced by the amount that the allowance exceeds the limit.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 387 c288W; 61948
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Benefits rules Councillors Eligibility Incapacity benefit Social security benefits
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk