Otley MP hails victory over assessment of disabled people (From Ilkley Gazette)

Otley MP hails victory over assessment of disabled people

10:00am Monday 11th February 2013 in News

Member of Parliament for Leeds North West and co-chairman of the Liberal Democrat, Department for Work and Pensions, Parliamentary Party Committee, Greg Mulholland, has welcomed the news that Liberal Democrats have secured improvements to the way disabled people will be assessed for the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The move follows concerns that some people, who can only walk short distances, would have failed to qualify for the higher rate PIP, which is due to be introduced in April.

But following concerns raised by Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd, Baroness Celia Thomas and the Liberal Democrat Department for Work and Pensions, Parliamentary Party Committee, the Coalition Government last week amended the definition to include people who can only walk short distances, infrequently and in great pain.

This effectively means people who were anxious about losing their Motability vehicles in the future can now rest easy.

Otley MP Mr Mulholland said: “These changes, fought for by Liberal Democrats in Parliament, will bring clarity and peace of mind to thousands of disabled people and deliver the right support for people who need it most. This adds to other Liberal Democrat victories on PIP, including our call to ensure the Motability component remains for those living in residential care, which was accepted by the Government.

“Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government are delivering a fairer society to ensure those with disabilities are protected and receive the support they need.”