REMOVAL OF DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE MOBILITY COMPONENT

That this House condemns the decision to remove the mobility component of disability living allowance from the approximately 60,000 people living in residential care; believes that this is a lifeline support payment which gives people, including children at residential special schools, some independence; notes that few residential facilities provide free transport and the component is used so that, for example, disabled people can get a taxi for essential hospital appointments, go shopping, or even just meet friends and take part in activities in their community; further notes that an estimated 8,000 users of the Motability car scheme will be affected by the removal of the component; and acknowledges that welfare reform is necessary but believes that this cut by the Government will impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in society.