MONMOUTH MP David Davies has been lobbied by a group of disability campaigners fighting against proposed cutbacks to benefits and services.
Mr Davies visited Llanhennock Lodge, a Leonard Cheshire Disability care home near Caerleon, to meet with residents who are worried that the removal of the Disability Living Allowance mobility component will adversely impact on their lives.
The Government has proposed to stop paying the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, soon to become Personal Independence Payment, to people living in state-funded residential care. Although Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People, insists those who are genuinely sick, disabled or retired have nothing to fear, there is concern amongst disabled people about whether they will still receive vital help and support in the future.
John McKie has been a resident at Llanhennock Lodge for four years. The 62 year-old uses his DLA mobility to meet with friends and family.
He said: “If the Government goes ahead with its proposal to take away DLA mobility we won’t have the freedom to be independent. Disabled people are not being listened to and this makes us feel completely powerless.”
Mr Davies participated in group discussions about how people use their mobility allowance and what it would mean to them if it was withdrawn.
“If the Government has to make cuts, why are they targeting disabled people? Is it because they think we won’t fight back?” questioned Tess Lane, who has been a resident at the service for four months. The 53 year-old used to live with her husband in their family home.
Michael Charlton, 56, has lived at Llanhennock Lodge for 12 years. He explained how he uses his DLA mobility to pay for an accessible vehicle to take him to his local drama club.
“Without this vital allowance I would lose touch with friends and be trapped in my home. Not being able to go to my drama class would fill me with sadness,” he said.
Mr Davies said: “I do understand that disabled people living in residential care homes are some of the most disadvantaged groups in society. My colleague Maria Miller has given an assurance that people in this position will not be unfairly treated and I will be writing to her again to pass on the concerns of disability campaigners at Llanhennock Lodge.
“While I am in favour of reducing Government spending, I do wish it could be done a little differently. Indeed, I have taken on board the views of one of the carers who questioned the need for an increase in overseas aid to Third World countries when we have people living in poverty in the UK”.
Kevin Michael, Service Manager at Llanhennock Lodge, added: “We are all very grateful that Mr Davies took time to come and meet with us. Everyone enjoyed getting involved and sharing their views”.