From: Kate Walton [kate.walton@hft.org.uk] Sent: 10 December 2010 14:38 To: DWP Consultation DLAReform Cc: Hilary Crowhurst; Jill Oakes; Debbie Robinson; Lesley Richardson Subject: Hft Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed I am writing on behalf of Hft – a charity which supports Adults with Learning Disabilities. Within Hft are a number of “Speak Out” groups (“Speak Out” groups are for people supported by Hft to talk about issues that are important to them). A few weeks ago we asked the groups for their thoughts on the plans to cut the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. Hft thought that you might be interested to hear some of the comments: “Speak Out” North Oxford We all discussed the proposed benefit cuts especially the cuts in mobility for those living in registered homes and how this would affect us if the cuts happened for people living in supported living. Below are some of the comments: - Hannah – “that would be bad, people wouldn’t get out, people would be angry and frustrated” - Jonathon – “My granny needs more care, these cuts will affect her. If my benefit was cut I would not be able to visit my family in Coventry or friends in Leeds” - Sam – “I would be cross and upset, if I walked in the rain I would get wet, I wouldn’t be able to visit my Mum or go anywhere special” - Gayle – “I wouldn’t be able to go out” - Gordon – “I cannot walk far I would not be able to do my shopping or go to college or any activities” - Pauline – “I wouldn’t be able to get to work, I would have to quit my job” - Lorraine – “I would be angry and upset, I wouldn’t be able to see Carol in Stratford, I wouldn’t be able to see Gordon. I would get soaking wet in my chair in the rain” - PJ – “I will complain, it is wrong especially for people who cannot walk” All think that the planned cuts would be bad. “Speak Out” Leeds The group thought this was not fair at all on people who live in residential care as this will restrict what they can do and to get out and about. They also raised concerns that is this going to effect people who live in supported living in the future or if not now. They were very worried about this and what effect it would have on their lives, they would very restricted in getting out and about and getting involved in the community. They also felt that something has to be done with the local MP to fight the corner for people with learning disabilities they were happy to go to the local mp and to join mencaps campaigns. They feel annoyed about this cut back and feel that it will stop them doing things they like to do as they wont have any money to do anything in the community . Also they feel that it will be like turning the clock back to how it used to be people with learning disability will be out of the way as they have no money to get out and about and this will effect their lives very much. They do feel very strong about this and they are worried that it will be people living in supported living next and would like to assist to inform the MP who wants to introduce the cut backs of the consequences of her action if she continues with this cut back. They want to write a letter to their local MP to take to parliament to inform her of what she is doing and how bad it will affect people lives. “Speak Out” Kent We discussed the proposed government changes to DLA in the Speak Out Kent meeting on Saturday. There was a mix of people from both supported living, and Residential services. All thought the changes were unfair, and decided that instead of writing as a big group, they would rather send one letter from each house. The 2 houses in Kent that are residential Services are possibly going to send one letter from each person, and also sign the online petition. People are still deciding if they will invite the local MP to come and talk to them about this matter. I am about to send out the Easy to Read consultation regarding the Disability Living Allowance to our “Speak Out” Groups. I will ask them to forward any completed consultations directly to the above email address. Many thanks Kate Walton Kate Walton Personal Assistant to Director of Service Development www.hft.org.uk Winners of the Laing & Buisson Independent Healthcare Award for Best Use of Technology 2010 Registered Office: HF Trust Limited, 5/6 Brook Office Park, Folly Brook Road, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7FL tel: 0117 906 1700 fax: 0117 906 1701 Company Registered in England no: 734984 Registered Charity No. 313069 VAT No. 609 6687 00 Patron HRH The Princess Royal Creatively supporting people with learning disabilities.