Jenny Willott, the Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central and Co Chair of the Lib Dem Parliamentary Group on Work and Pensions, has welcomed Government efforts to work to ensure that plans to remove the mobility component of DLA from disabled people in care homes do not jeopardise people’s mobility and independence.
In response to a question by Ms Willott about people who use the mobility element of DLA to buy a car or a mobility scooter, Lib Dem Work and Pensions Minister Steve Webb MP, said that, despite scare stories by Labour MPs, the Government was already in discussion with Motability about how to maintain the independence of people in care homes.
Commenting on the Government’s response, Jenny said:
“I am pleased the Government is aware of people’s concerns and is already working with groups representing disabled people to ensure that those living in care homes are able to maintain cars or mobility scooters and protect their independence.
“Labour MPs are playing on the fears of vulnerable people by suggesting the Government is refusing to listen to concerns.
“This is unfair to disabled people, who are worried about these changes, and unfair to the Government which is prepared to listen and work to protect people while cutting costs.”
