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Lorely Burt MPWorking hard for Solihull |
LONG CAMPAIGN TO HELP BLIND ENDS IN VICTORY
April 7, 2009 4:31 PM
After a long campaign, the Government has finally accepted a landmark change to the law that will benefit over 40,000 registered blind people across the country.
An amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill, backed by Solihull's MP Lorely Burt, has been accepted by the Government to extend the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance to the blind.
Until now, those with severe sight loss had not been eligible for the higher rate unless they were also deaf. The change will amount to around an extra £30 a week to help with travel and other mobility costs.
Lorely welcomed the move calling the issue "a point of principle". The Solihull MP had signed a commons motion calling for the change in the law earlier this year.
Lorely said:
"Being blind curtails your ability to act independently in the same way as being in a wheelchair - and yet until now, those with severe visual impairments have not been eligible for the same level of support.
"For many blind people, the biggest struggle they face is getting to and from work as well as to the shops and to meet friends. The £17.65 a week that is currently offered is pittance considering the fact that many blind people require the use of a taxi to get around.
"There has long been overwhelming public support for this change. RNIB who have led the campaign deserve tremendous credit for forcing the government finally into doing the right thing."
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