Many people in this area supported the Royal National Institute for the Blind campaign to allow people with severe sight loss to claim the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
The Government is now in the process of makin
g its decision about whether or not to make these changes.
It could go either way. The changes can be made and there is strong support from Department of Work and Pensions Ministers, but as we all know the Government is under significant financial pressures.
Before they make their decision we need to ensure that they are reminded just how strongly people in this area feel about this issue.
Some blind people (who can't drive and in many cases find it impossible to use public transport) are missing vital hospital appointments and job opportunities because the benefit they receive does not cover the cost of taxis.
On a day-to-day basis, not being able to get out independently stops many blind people from doing basic things like getting their own shopping, meeting up with friends or joining local clubs.
This has a massive impact on the quality of people's lives.
The Halifax Society for the Blind support the RNIB's campaign calling for a change to Disability Living Allowance – a state benefit that currently allows people with other disabilities, who can drive, to claim its higher mobility rate of £46.75 per week. People with serious sight loss are only eligible to claim the lower rate of just £17.75 per week.
If readers would like more information about the campaign they can contact RNIB on 020 73912096.
Jackie Mitchell,
chairwoman
Halifax Society for the Blind
The full article contains 294 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
