Independent living boost

Disabled people who want to live independently will be handed a boost next week when a government study backs their economic case.

The Disability Rights Commission said the report would show that investing in independent living could save the taxpayer up to £5bn from higher taxes and lower benefits.

The commission is championing a private members’ bill to ensure disabled people receive enough support to live at home.

The study, by the cross-government Office for Disability Issues, would also show at least £10m a year could be saved by enabling disabled people to leave residential care and move into independent living, the DRC claimed.

The Department for Work and Pensions, the lead department on disability, refused to comment ahead of the report’s publication on 10 May.

The Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill was passed by the House of Lords last week. But it is tenth in line to receive a second reading among current private members’ bills, meaning it is unlikely to become law in this parliament.

Further information
Alzheimer’s Society statement on tagging
Office of Disability Issues

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 Mithran Samuel