Liberal Democrats Launch Mini Manifesto For People With Disabilities

LDDA - The Liberal Democrat Disability Association <info@disabilitylibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats Launch Mini Manifesto For People With Disabilities

March 23, 2005 12:00 AM

Cover of the Liberal Democrat General Election 2005 Manifesto for People with Disabilities (the Disabled) The Liberal Democrats today launch their manifesto for people with disabilities. The Liberal Democrats are promising a £200 winter fuel payment for severely disabled people and free off-peak local bus travel for all people with disabilities.

Charles Kennedy MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

"Helping people to help themselves is what the Liberal Democrat approach is all about. This means promoting independent living wherever possible, more flexible access to the job market, improved mobility and access in the community, giving people greater control over their own healthcare.

"Over a million people with disabilities want to work, yet the benefit system can actually hold them back. That is why a more flexible system that involves partial capacity benefit would enable more people to find fulfilment in the job market without fear of becoming ineligible for the benefits, which are essential in making ends meet.

"This manifesto sets out measures designed to break the cycle of exclusion that many disabled people face. The Liberal Democrats are determined that the voices of disabled people become impossible for society to ignore."

Liberal Democrat Disability Spokesman, Paul Holmes MP added:

"The Liberal Democrats want to see a society where we all share equality of opportunity, unimpeded by discrimination.

"It is our duty to ensure that education, work, public services and leisure are equally accessible to all people. As well as fighting discrimination, it is essential to promote independent living for people with disabilities.

"We are offering a £200 a year winter fuel payment for the severely disabled and free-off-peak travel for all people with disabilities. We will take practical steps to break the cycle of exclusion that many disabled people face and create an inclusive society that embraces difference."