From: henry [henry@obac.org.uk]
Sent: 18 February 2011 18:49
To: DWP Consultation DLAReform
Cc: ibukun@obac.org.uk
Subject: Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans 

Dear Sir/Madam

 

In response to your consultation document about the proposed changes to Disability Living Allowance, OBAC’s response is as follows;

1.       There is a general suspicion that at the heart of the Government’s strategy and proposed changes, is the need for spending cuts, rather than 

the welfare of people With impairments, serious long term illnesses and/or health conditions and the Government will need to convince the

sector that this is not the case, in order for there to be widespread acceptance of the proposed changes.

2.       We are in general agreement with the proposal to simplify the benefit to make it much easier for both service users and providers

To understand and therefore, hopefully, process. However in saying this it is important for the government to bear in mind the fact  that any new rates 

or entitlements, need to be Set at levels, that are not only commensurate to the level of assessed needs of the individual concerned, but also support

and enhances the individual’s ability to continue living independently in the community.

3.       Although the DLA benefit may not be considered ideal, nevertheless, it does reflect the range of disabilities, sickness and/or health conditions

And the differing impact that they may have on each individual. Consequently, the assessed level of need, ranging from moderate to critical, reflects the 

Different levels of financial support needed to cope with daily living. We are therefore not sure if the new PIP will have this kind of flexibility and may

Well lead to some people losing benefit, or falling outside the eligibility criteria, completely.

4.       In regards to the proposed changes in the assessment process, it is our view that some of these may well prove counterproductive, as the level of 

frequency and cost implications involved in carrying them out, may well put other unforeseen  financial strains on the system and affect service provision.

5.       The automatic right to access should be retained, especially for those cases where expert medical opinion deems that the impairment/illness/health 

Condition is permanent and there are no possible chances of recovery and/or improvement in general health. In these and other similar cases we think the need for 

regular review assessments are un-necessary and in fact. Regular review assessments, should be confined to cases where there are the possibilities for recovery

and improvement in general health, as these would inform the level of need and therefore the level of support needed.

 

 

Yours faithfully

 

 Henry Nicholson

Outreach and Advocacy Manager

OBAC

1st Floor Gloucester House

8 Camberwell New Road

London

SE5 0TA

Tel:  020 7735 3400 Ext 30

Fax: 020 7582 8334

Email: henry@obac.org.uk

Website:  www.obac.org.uk

 

OBAC is a registered charity

Registered Charity Number 1042756

 

 

'Supporting the independence of people with disabilities'