Local MP supports campaign to secure greater support for the Blind

Michael Connarty MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk is supporting the campaign for mobility benefits for blind people.

Michael said “the government has recognised the case for giving blind people access to the higher rate of mobility component of disability living allowance. This is a benefit which provides financial support to disabled people with the extra mobility costs they face, such as having to travel by taxi or private hire vehicles.

Over the past year, the government has been in discussion with the organisations involved on the precise detail and implementation of changes required to bring about a practical and robust solution but we now need confirmation of what action it will take to change the current entitlement criteria. We need a prompt resolution to this matter and to end the exclusion of blind people from this very important extra cost benefit especially as they face some of the greatest barriers to independent mobility.”

A TNS survey conducted for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in 2007 showed that 90% of the general public agree that blind people should receive the same level of financial support as wheelchair users. Only 3% disagreed and 7% ‘weren’t sure’.