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Coronavirus: Quarantine

Question for Treasury

UIN 133170, tabled on 2 March 2022

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support the Government is providing to extremely clinically vulnerable people who continue to shield and (a) are unable to seek employment and (b) are not in receipt of benefits because of the earnings of another household member.

Answered on

7 March 2022

The successful rollout of the vaccination programme and the emergence of proven treatments, along with our improved understanding of the virus and the clinical risks it poses, means that those previously classed as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) are no longer advised to shield. Most people who were previously identified as CEV respond well to the vaccine and should follow the same guidance as the general public on staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do. Those identified as CEV may also receive additional advice from their health professional.

The Government has provided separate guidance for the smaller number of people whose immune system means they remain at higher risk: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk/covid-19-guidance-for-people-whose-immune-system-means-they-are-at-higher-risk.

Many individuals who were previously identified as CEV will have a disability or long-term health condition, meaning that they may be entitled to non-means tested disability benefits. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the Government’s primary means of supporting working age adults with the extra costs arising from long-term ill health and disability. PIP is paid regardless of household income and irrespective of whether someone is in work. The Government will spend over £12.2 billion to support 2.1 million working age people on PIP in 2021-22.

Answered by

Treasury
Named day
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