Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Answer of 8 December 2022 to Question 103036 on Cost of Living Payments: Medical Equipment, if he will increase the Disability Cost of Living Payment.

The Government is providing extensive support to disabled people and those with a health condition to help them live independent lives. In 2022/23, we will spend around £66bn on benefits to support disabled people and people with health conditions in Great Britain, of which over £29bn will be on the extra costs benefits payable in England and Wales. As referenced in my answer to UIN 103036, we will also be uprating benefits for working age households and disabled people as well as the basic and new State Pensions by 10.1%.

In terms of cost of living support, and Cost of Living Payments, the Government’s position is that the highest amount of cost of living support should go to those on means-tested benefits as those on the lowest incomes will be most vulnerable to rises in the cost of living.