Asked by: John Robertson (Labour - Glasgow North West)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many former refineries that have been converted to import and distribution terminals are currently under review by the Health and Safety Executive to meet post-Buncefield compliance regulations.
Answered by Lord Harper
Since 2005 two refineries have indicated a transition to fuel import and distribution operations. One refinery conversion is nearing completion, and the other is at the planning stage.
All new and substantially modified fuel storage sites storing large quantities of gasoline (petrol) should meet the standards set out in the Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) Final Report published in 2009 before operations commence.
None of the former refineries are currently under review by HSE. They are subject to routine regulatory scrutiny under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH) by the COMAH Competent Authority.
Asked by: John Robertson (Labour - Glasgow North West)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the difference between changes in (a) carers' benefits, (b) disability benefits and (c) older people's benefits and the rate of inflation in each of the last three years.
Answered by Steve Webb
Carers’ and disability benefits, and the additional State pension, must by statute be up-rated in line with prices. So the increase in those benefits over the last three years has reflected the increase in the Consumer Price Index.
The basic State pension has been increased with the triple lock (by the highest of average earnings, CPI or 2.5%), and the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit has been up-rated in line with the cash increase in the basic State pension. In each of the last three years, this means that the Standard Minimum Guarantee has increased by more than the minimum requirement of the increase in average earnings. The resulting over-indexation of the Standard Minimum Guarantee has been funded through an increase in the savings credit threshold and the associated reduction in the Savings Credit maximum.
The table indicates the percentage increases in CPI; basic State Pension; average earnings; and the Standard Minimum Guarantee in each of the past three years.
| 2012/13 | 2013/14 | 2014/15 |
CPI | 5.2% | 2.2% | 2.7% |
Basic State pension | 5.2% | 2.5% | 2.7% |
Average earnings | 2.8% | 1.6% | 1.2% |
Pension Credit Standard Minimum Guarantee | 3.9% | 1.9% | 2.0% |
Asked by: John Robertson (Labour - Glasgow North West)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of information available to carers about (a) the existence of carer's allowance and (b) the rules on who is able to claim it.
Answered by Lord Harper
Information and advice about entitlement to Carer's Allowance is available from a range of outlets including Jobcentre Plus offices, the Government website (www.gov.uk), local authorities, Citizens Advice, public libraries, health clinics, doctors' surgeries and health visitors. Advice can also be sought from voluntary organisations such as Carers UK. In addition to this the Carer’s Allowance Unit have a regular out reach programme for the caring community.
Asked by: John Robertson (Labour - Glasgow North West)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the average amount of time it takes for terminally ill people to receive a decision on their benefits claim.
Answered by Lord Harper
We have taken your question to refer to Personal Independence Payment. Statistics on clearance times for Personal Independence Payment are intended for future publication and the Department's analysts are currently considering what information will be included in the release.