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<p>The Department provides a range of benefits to reduce the financial pressure on
disabled people and those with long term health conditions. Local Authorities and
the National Health Service provide a wide range of additional services.</p><p> </p><p>Since
2010, spending on extra-costs disability benefits has increased by £5billion in real
terms. These benefits have been increased with inflation and were protected from the
benefit freeze.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, we are working closely with private industry
to better recognise the needs of disabled people and ensure they are fully included
in society. Initiatives led by the Department, such as Sector Champions, and those
led by the private sector and supported by the Department, such as Purple Tuesday,
aim to work with businesses to recognise the benefits of ensuring they are accessible
and inclusive for disabled people.</p><p> </p><p>As I have recently announced, we
plan to commission independent research to better understand the needs of disabled
people and how health and disability benefits can better support them.</p>
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