The Guardian's Society supplement today (19/01/11) published a letter written by Norma Brier, Chief Executive of Norwood, in response to an article about the Government's proposal to cut the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. Click here to read the original article online.
See below for letter in full:
David Brindle’s article clearly demonstrates the regressive nature of the proposed removal of the mobility component of the DLA (The favourite for the meanest cut of all, Society Guardian, 12 January).
Maria Miller, Minister for Disabled People, claims the allowance is being withdrawn because people with disabilities in state-funded care homes who receive it, already have their mobility costs paid for by their Local Authorities. This is not the case.
Norwood provides residential care to 250 people. A small number receive a negligible contribution of up to £8.50 per week towards specific mobility costs. However, the vast majority receive no contribution whatsoever, as Local Authorities insist that the DLA mobility component provides for this.
The proposal to withdraw the mobility allowance therefore doubly disadvantages those who need specialised transport and support to gain access to community facilities and activities which people without disabilities take for granted. People who find themselves unable to get out and about will inevitably become more house-bound and their health may deteriorate.
The consequences are so serious that I can only assume that the Government, which has reiterated its commitment to fairness and equality, does not fully understand the facts. It must surely recognise that this cut will penalise people who already face significant obstacles in their day to day living.
Norma Brier,
Chief Executive, Norwood
