Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has condemned proposals to integrate the Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for over-65s in a new social care system. The Government’s Personal Care at Home Bill, a step on the way to a National Care Service, was announced in the Queen’s Speech last week. The small print of the plans to create a National Care Service shows that Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance for pensioners would be scrapped to pay for it.
It is estimated that the proposed changes to the social care system would on average take £3,400 a year away from 2.4 million pensioners. Official figures reveal that on the Island this would affect 6,270 pensioners – 4,470 who receive Attendance Allowance, worth an average of £60 a week, and 1,800 who receive Disability Living Allowance, worth an average of £75 a week.
Mr Turner said:
“The devil is in the detail of these plans. They certainly would restrict choice and flexibility for disabled people over the age of 65. At present, both the AA and DLA can be spent without restrictions. People can choose care to suit their individual needs. The Government’s desire to withdraw these benefits and impose a more bureaucratic system would limit independence for many older people and they would be at risk of greater social isolation. If these two benefits were removed, 40% of all AA and DLA recipients would be below the poverty threshold. The Government is wrong to consider scrapping these benefits when the most vulnerable in society depend upon them so heavily.
“The Disability Alliance, the RNIB and RADAR have spoken out against the plans and some constituents have already contacted me because they are worried by these proposals. The Conservatives will vigorously oppose against any plans to scrap benefits for disabled pensioners.”
END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
Directgov website. Attendance Allowance is a non-means tested, tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care because they are physically or mentally disabled. Disability Living Allowance is a non-means tested, tax-free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled. People would claim either one or the other of these benefits
