I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
The services available under the treatment benefit scheme were restricted in Budget 2010, due to the prevailing economic situation at that time and the urgent need to reduce public expenditure. Any future expansion of the schemes will be considered in light of available resources and competing priorities.
If a customer is qualified for treatment benefit at age 66, that person remains qualified for life. There are no plans to change the eligibility criteria for persons over 66 years of age.
Data regarding the age breakdown of customers is not routinely collated, as this information is archived after claims have been processed and a period of time has elapsed.
The overall numbers of claims paid under the treatment benefit scheme, (broken down by dental, optical and aural), in each year since 2008 is set out in the following table:
Year
|
Dental
|
Optical
|
Aural
|
Total
|
2008
|
676,000
|
220,000
|
6,500
|
902,500
|
2009
|
734,000
|
241,000
|
7,500
|
982,500
|
2010
|
389,000
|
163,000
|
7,600
|
559,600
|
2011
|
273,000
|
136,000
|
8,000
|
417,000
|
2012
|
271,000
|
140,000
|
8,500
|
419,500
|
2013
|
299,000
|
142,000
|
7,800
|
448,800
|
2014
|
311,000
|
149,000
|
8,400
|
468,400
|
2015
|
244,000
|
117,000
|
6,400
|
367,400 (to date)
|