Charity criticises benefit cut plan

Learning difficulty charity MENCAP has accused the government of
stepping back in time with its plans to withdraw the mobility
component of the Disability Living Allowance from thousands of
people.

The charity this week launched a report which warns that the
proposals would cut off from the community beneficiaries living in
NHS facilities.

Regulations laid before Parliament last week, but still to be
approved, would largely strip mobility allowance from disabled
people living in NHS hospitals or NHS care homes.

MENCAP says many NHS trusts it approached warned that the vast
majority of patients would suffer tremendously under the proposals.
The move would cost individuals about £1,000 a year, with
anticipated savings for the Treasury of £40 million.

The money is used for anything from taxis to the purchase of
specialised vehicles, the report says.

nThrowing away the Key, from MENCAP on 0171 454 0454.