Bill aims to protect support package

Disabled people would be able to move home in England and Wales without jeopardising their support package under an independent living bill to be introduced to parliament this month.

Now, when they move, disabled people must renegotiate a new support package with no guarantee of receiving the same level of care.

But the Disability Rights Commission, which is helping to draft the bill, said this was a major obstacle to the social and economic mobility of disabled people.

The commission wants local authorities to be required to co-operate to ensure there is a smooth transition.

The bill, which is being introduced into the House of Lords by Labour peer Lord Ashley, would protect people against being forced into institutional care and give them the right to choose where and how they live. This could be through renting or buying a home, living with family or living in supported housing.

The bill also proposes that support packages should be based on a self-assessment by disabled people.

● To have your say on the bill, e-mail independentlivingbill@drc-gb.org