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DLA victory confirmed
Thursday 01 December 2011
The mobility component of Disability Living Allowance will not be cut for thousands of disabled people
A written statement issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) today says: “The government are today announcing that the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance will not be removed from people living in residential care homes.”
The statement also confirms that the mobility component will continue to be paid under the Personal Independence Payment, which is set to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Campaigners have been celebrating since a story in The Times on Tuesday indicated that the government would not go ahead with the plans to remove the mobility component, which had been set out in the Welfare Reform Bill.
The mobility component allows disabled people who live in residential care homes to get out independently, by allowing them to meet some of the extra costs of accessing suitable transport or to purchase appropriate mobility aids.
The government’s decision was partly in response to the findings of this autumn’s Low Review, an independent review carried out by Lord Low of Dalston at the request of Mencap and Leonard Cheshire Disability.
The review, which gathered more than 800 submissions, found no evidence to support the government’s claim that funding for the DLA mobility component is duplicated by local authorities.
The statement from the DWP says: “We have now gathered and reviewed further evidence, including the helpful contribution provided by Lord Low’s review… there was insufficient evidence of overlaps in funding provision to justify the withdrawal of the mobility component.”
Responding to the news, Mark Goldring, Mencap's chief executive, said: “It is fantastic to have the news confirmed that there will be an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill, protecting this vital allowance. This is a positive example of the government listening to disabled people, who have been among the hardest hit by national and local authority budget cuts.
“Ultimately, the combination of disability campaigners and the Low Review showed there to be a real flaw in the rationale for this proposal and the very negative effect this would have on disabled people. We need to continue to have the same open and frank dialogue with government on the other significant changes that are set to happen – including the replacement of Disability Living Allowance with the new Personal Independence Payment.”
Comments
I am on DLA I am not allowed to live in resdential care, I live in a council flat on my own I will not be allowed the mobilty rate because I am forced to do everything on my own otherwise I break Sutton Hosuing Partnership rules and be evicted from my council flat esp if my flat is a fire Hazard and became very ill, I have Scizophernia, deprissan, Axeity and I suffer from stress.
But no only people allwed to live in resdential care will PIP mobilty rate, I live indepently ina council flat I will not be allowed it and will probably under goverment rules lose my freedom pass to get around and lose my disabled person railcard so I get visit relatives that live along way.
no fair.
Behalf of disabled and learning disabilities we should continue with DLA rest oncoming years and I don't want it to stop.
The problem with people having no formal day services is that many people do not have the staff support levels they need to get out of the home and do things , i cant think of a lot worse life than not leaving home to do anything structured or pleasurable,not having anything to get up for ? people become very quickly demotivated and lack drive to do anything apart from exist - this is not a lifesyle many of us would choose - why should disabled people have no choice whether or not they access activities and opportunities to meet others ?? its not a lifestyle choice i would desire for me or my son.
many people with complex learning disabilities appear to need structure and motivation from others to enable them to take part and be included where possible in their commuinties - for some going to a day service and also taking part in activities on offer is the only way to ensure people are not more isolated.
i find the concept of no dayservices, even part time , devaluing and shows a lack of insight into the long term needs of people- supporting them to achieve their full potential, be included and enjoy their lives and not be hidden away due to lack of opportunities - we all need chances to do things and feel a sense of belonging and being wanted/ included - a step in the wrong direction as far as i am concerned if people are denied day services.
its great news there has been a U turn on this proposal - mobility component really does make a difference to people, lets hope that the government listen where all disabled people and their rights are concerned.
What is going to happen to the disabled children who are dependent on their parent
In everything
Is the cut going to affect them
Very pleased to hear the Government has seen sense.
This decision is very important. Our local authority has decided that disabled people with learning disabilitites who live in a residential establishment will no longer be able to access a day centre. They will have their care/activities from their 'home'. Hopefully, this should help them to get out and about.
Our daughter had her DLA mobility reduced to the lowest rate. She has down syndrome, no legible speech, no road sense, no sense of danger, or stranger danger. She has limited vision due to congenital cataracts. Nat has never been out of the house unaccompanied. We appealed against the decision, the decision was upheld. The appeal is one with the upper tribunal, however we don't hold out much hope. So much for the cuts not effecting people with learning difficulties. Oh Nat will be 26 next month
good news, transport and the cost of it, is a massive issue for me and most other people with learning disabilities in Cornwall. Also the strain on family's resources when the person who is being cared for hasn;t got the required welfare and care package can be enorrnous. making social mobility harder is just morally wrong and doesn't make financial sense.