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DLA cuts to mobility allowance
In parliament today MP Tom Clarke tabled an adjournment debate about cuts to the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
As a residential care provider, the National Society for Epilepsy is concerned to hear of the government’s plans to cut this allowance for people in residential care from October 2012.
Epilepsy is a complex and unpredictable condition which can often be very isolating. Cutting the mobility allowance and limiting freedom to travel could lead to greater isolation.
The government argues that as travel costs are part of the local authority’s care package they are effectively paying twice.
In NSE’s experience this is not the case. Only essential travel costs are included in fees leaving very little for social purposes. Local authorities are tightening their belts and are unlikely to increase funding.
NSE is working with the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group to gather and submit robust evidence about the scale and impact of this change, with the aim of getting the government to reconsider the proposal.
The major disability charities, including Leonard Cheshire Disability, Scope and Mencap, are joining forces in a bid to reverse the policy, while a grassroots campaign - the Broken of Britain - has been forged online by disabled bloggers against this and other cuts.
