Social Care debate fails to allay fears over future of disability benefits

Mark Harper MP, Shadow Minister for Disabled People, speaking in the House of Commons has expressed his concern over the Government’s confusion over which disability benefits it intends to integrate into a future care and support system.

Whilst the Government has now said that it will not incorporate funding from Disability Living Allowance paid to people under the age of 65 into any proposed future care and support system, questions still remain about a number of other disability benefits which affect millions of people, including Disability Living Allowance for people over pension age, Carer’s Allowance and Severe Disablement Allowance.

Commenting outside the Chamber, Mark said:

“Whilst the Government’s assurance that Disability Living Allowance for people of working age will not be touched is welcome, we are still no clearer about the Government’s plans for a host of other disability benefits.

Millions of disabled people, and their families and carers, are rightly worried about the future of these benefits. The Government needs to come clean about their intentions and be open and honest with disabled people.

It is important that disabled people take advantage of the consultation which closes on 13th November to convince the Government to think again about taking these important benefits away from disabled people and their carers.”