RNIB Overjoyed As Government Announces Change In Benefit Rules For Blind People

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 27 Mar 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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After a two and a half year campaign to change unfair benefit rules that have discriminated against blind people, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is overjoyed at the Government's announcement on an amendment in the rules for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This will entitle people with severe visual impairment to claim the higher rate mobility component of DLA.

The Government decision will allow around 26,000 people in the UK with severe visual impairment to receive an extra £29 per week in the mobility component of DLA, allowing them to get out and about independently and safely.

Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB says: "We are overjoyed by this announcement. It is a fantastic victory for people with severe visual impairment and for everybody who has supported RNIB's two and a half year campaign to end this long standing injustice.

"The extra £29 a week really will change lives, giving people with severe visual impairment greater opportunities for employment, further education and social activities previous denied to them. It's a key to their greater independence, safety and quality of life.

"RNIB thanks the Government for committing to make this much needed change, as well as all the MPs who have supported the campaign and their blind constituents."

The additional support will help them to do fundamental things on their own - like getting to doctor or hospital appointments, attending training courses and interviews, shopping independently, meeting friends, and being a member of groups or joining in local activities.

During the campaign over 300 MPs agreed with RNIB's call that blind people, who obviously cannot drive, have been treated unfairly by DLA rules in only being allowed to receive £17.75 a week, when other disabled people who can drive receive £46.75. Spending the extra money on getting out safely and independently will give people with severe visual impairment a better quality of life as well as allowing them to contribute to the economy.

Early Day Motion (EDM) 340, that calls for a change in DLA, is currently the number one EDM with the most MP support. The two and a half year campaign has seen over 300 different MPs signal their support via two EDMs in Parliament (253 MPs in 2007 and 256 MPs in 2008). In 2006, 1,200 people attended a lobby of Parliament and in 2008 over 1,500 people marched on Parliament generating the biggest lobby of Parliament ever by blind and partially sighted people.

Notes

1. Every day another 100 people will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 or visit http://www.rnib.org.uk

Source
RNIB

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