MOBILITY ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE WITH SEVERE SIGHT LOSS

That this House recognises that people with severe sight loss face significant barriers to independent mobility; is aware that they face the burden of extra mobility costs which can seriously restrict their participation and inclusion in society; notes that extending the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance to those with severe sight loss would cost only £30 million per year; welcomes the sympathy for this cause previously expressed by the Minister for State for Welfare Reform and the Minister for Disabled People; notes with concern that recent statements have suggested that this is not now a matter that the Government plans to deal with in a positive fashion; commends the campaign by the Royal National Institute for the Blind which brought over 1,500 campaigners to Parliament to lobby on this issue; and calls on the Government to re-examine the case for extending the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance to people with serious sight loss.