Respite care rule confirmed

March 21, 2001 in Carers, Disability, Inspection and regulation

Social security minister Hugh Bayley has refused a call from
Conservative MP Tony Baldry to change the rule that stops the
payment of disability living allowance to disabled people and their
carers for 29 days after they have received 28 days of respite
care.

Baldry said his call to abolish the rule was supported by
Disability Alliance, Carers National Association and Oxfordshire
Welfare Rights Association.

Bayley did say the government would examine the linking rule but
gave no hint of a change. Baldry said that even trained lawyers
like himself found it hard to grasp social security
regulations.