Addiction disability costs £2m

THE cost to the taxpayer for Oldham’s drug addicts and alcoholics claiming disability benefits is up to £41,500 a week — £2.15 million a year.

The total includes people on Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance whose primary reason for claiming is alcoholism or drug problems.

Also included are payments for people claiming the lowest level of one of the two Disability Living allowance components at £20.55 a week.

The actual weekly total for Oldham could be up to £11,000 higher depending on what level and components of DLA the 100 claimants qualify for.