DLA ConsultationFrom: Richard Carter [Richard.Carter@dudley.gov.uk]
Sent: 14 February 2011 15:09
To: DWP Consultation DLAReform
Cc: Margot James
Subject: Dudley MBC

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

I am writing on behalf of Dudley MBC in response to the consultation on the removal of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for people living in residential care.

We have consulted with local organisations representing disabled people. We managed to cover about 40 people in total. Overwhelmingly, the comments were very negative about the proposed changes. People think it is unfair to single out disabled people in residential care, whose situation is very different from someone who goes into hospital.

There was particular emphasis on the following:

  a.. It’s a basic human right, so removing it is discriminatory and reduces the independence of a group of people who are very vulnerable already. Their quality of life would be very much affected if they cannot go out when they choose.


  b.. It reduces their ability to visit friends and family and to undertake leisure, employment, or educational activities outside the care home. 


  c.. Not all homes provide transport and people fear that homes will charge the cost of transport back to residents reducing their limited ‘pocket money’ allocation. Also, not everyone wants to be involved with a group of other people in doing activities all together – people want choice.


  d.. It’s not necessarily just about providing a vehicle, scooter or taxi fares - for some people on the lower rate, it may be that they need someone to be with them and assist when they go out.


A delegation from Dudley also had the opportunity to meet with Chris Grayling, Minister in the Department of Work and Pensions, to discuss the roposed changes in DLA. This meeting was arranged by Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, who has taken an active interest in this matter.

The Council is also concerned about the removal of mobility allowance for people with disabilities living in residential care.  We think that opportunities for people to get out in the community for shopping, social events, outings, visits to family etc will be curtailed, and instead they will be confined to the establishments where they live.

It is not realistic for care homes to cover the cost of these activities instead; there is huge financial pressure on the residential care sector, and in most places, care homes will receive no increase in fees this year from their local Council. Care homes can only be expected to cover transport to essential appointments e.g. doctors/hospital.  Councils which are facing cuts in social care budgets will not be able to make up the shortfall.



Richard Carter 
Asst Director - Learning Disability and Mental Health 


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