SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP has branded Tory Government plans to remove the mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA) from people living in residential care as the Coalition’s ‘cruelest cut’ after speaking out in a debate on the issue in parliament this morning.
Parliamentary questions by Dr Whiteford have revealed that the cut will impact on approximately 60,000 people living in residential care, including an estimated 8,000 users of the Motability Car Scheme.
Dr Whiteford said:
“Removal of the mobility component from people in residential care is one of the cruelest cuts by the Tory Government and will in some cases leave disabled people totally housebound.
“We are talking about a lifeline payment which gives people, including children at residential special schools, some independence.
“Few residential facilities provide free transport, and the component is often used by disabled people to pay for a taxi to essential hospital appointments, to go shopping, or even just to meet friends and take part in activities in their community.
“Removing this allowance is a hammer blow to people’s independence as well as their pockets. It will effectively mean some people can no longer get out and about and will be confined to their residential care home.
“Nobody doubts that welfare reform is necessary, but this cut by the Tories and Liberal Democrats is totally unfair and will impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in society.”