For immediate use: Wednesday 20 October 2010
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS
Responding to welfare reforms within the CSR, SNP Work and Pensions
spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP has branded the removal of the
mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA) from people
living in residential care as one of the coalitions cruelest cuts.
At the moment the component is paid at two levels, lower at £18.95 or
higher at £49.85 per week. Higher rate mobility component can,
currently, be used for disabled individuals to hire or lease a
mobility car at an affordable price.
Dr Whiteford said:
“Removal of the mobility component of disability living allowance from
people in residential care is one of the cruelest cuts within the CSR,
and one which will hit disabled people specifically.
“We are talking about a lifeline payment which gives people, including
children at residential special schools, some independence.
“Few residential facilities provide free transport, and the component
is used so that, for example, disabled people can get a taxi for
essential hospital appointments, go shopping, or even just meet
friends and take part in activities in their community.
“Removing this allowance is a hammer blow to people’s independence as
well as their pockets. It will effectively mean some people can no
longer get out and about and will be confined to their residential
care home.
“George Osborne needs to say whether disabled people in residential
homes will now have to hand back the keys of their motability cars.
“Nobody doubts that welfare reform is necessary, but this cut by the
Tories and Liberal Democrats is totally unfair and will impact on the
lives pof the most vulnerable in society.”
ENDS
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