Disability Living Allowance ReformFrom: Tony Alter [tony@alter1.wanadoo.co.uk]
Sent: 21 January 2011 17:25
To: DWP Consultation DLAReform
Subject: Torbay Mencap Committee

Response from Torbay Mencap Committee 
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  Response to The Disability Living Allowance Reform Paper

 

 

 

The following items have emphasised that the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is for ALL long term disabled.

 

In the Foreword by the Minister Maria Miller MP, she made the following statements:

 

……plans are designed to protect people in the most vulnerable situations 

 

The government is committed to a fair system that allows people to work and provides unconditional support when they cannot work.

 

We are steadfast in our support for the principles of Disabled Living Allowance…..contributing to the extra costs incurred by disabled people.

 

In the Executive Summary Paragraph 4 it is stated:

 

Personal Independence Payment will have two components – ‘Mobility’ and ‘Daily Living’ which implies that it is for everyone who is eligible for the PIP.

 

In The New Benefit –Chapter 2 the following statements were made:

 

Para 1  the benefit will contribute to the extra costs of overcoming barriers faced by disabled people

 

Para 2  the benefit helps to contribute to the extra costs of living independently

 

Para 5      Personal Independence Payment will be based on need

 

Para 14    In this paragraph a statement was made that mobility is about walking. This is not so. Mobility is about the ability of someone to get from A to B. Whether that is by walking or vehicle or requiring someone to accompany them

 

Para 15    The PIP is about the ability to carry out a range of activities key to everyday life

 

Para 21  Payment of DLA and Mobility Allowance ceases when someone goes into hospital or a care home.  This is not so for those disabled people who live permanently in a care home as they have always received both DLA and Mobility Allowance.

 

Both components of the PIP must be paid regardless of where the disabled person lives. Its purpose has been stated to cover extra costs of being disabled to enable them to become more independent in being able to travel in the community for work, social life and pleasure activities like everyone else.

To say that those living in care homes do not qualify for the Mobility component is unfair, discriminatory and punitive.

 

The prime minister and other members of the government have stated absolutely clearly that no-one currently receiving Disability Allowance and associated payments will be worse off as a result of the reforms. 

 

The answer to some of the questions in section 5 are:

 

Question 3.

Because of the variety and levels of disabilities, the degree of financial help cannot be generalised, but has to be dealt with on an individual basis. All those who have a need, whether on medical, physical and/or mental grounds should be provided with the necessary financial help to cover their living, mobility, supervisory and independence costs to a level which gives them a lifestyle acceptable to any parliamentarian.

 

Question 5 

There are some conditions which will never change for the disabled person which prevents them living an independent life. They will need care and supervision for the rest of their lives and will therefore require automatic entitlement for life. 

 

Question 6

All disabled people should have the necessary help provided according to their individual needs. It is the job of the government in a civilised society to ensure that they look after those most in need before providing help to those outside of their control or to those who do not need this help.

 

 

Question 8

The aids and adaptations should only be taken into account if by the state paying for them the person has overcome their disability completely.

 

Question 9

The questionnaire must be short and in clear, simple and unambiguous language. 

 

Question 11

Those who are unable either to understand the question or to be aware of the consequences of their answer must have a parent, carer or advocate of their choosing to be with them.

 

Question 16

Long term disabled people who do not have private insurance cover should have their aids and adaptations paid for by the state directly. PIP should be for regular outgoings to aid the standard of life.