Disability Living Allowance - the removal of mobility component - motion passed at Lib Dem Conference

To-day, the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference passed an amended motion on the proposed removal of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for those who live in residential care homes or children who have to go to residential schools. Here is the text of the motion:-

Conference regrets the recent decision to is very concerned by the recent proposals to reduce the mobility component of the new Personal Independence Payment (replacing Disability Living Allowance) from people in residential care and from children in residential schools with effect from October 2012.

Conference welcomes the Coalition Government's review of the previously announced intention to
remove the Mobility Component of DLA for people in residential care. Conference notes the work
being undertaken by the Department for Work and Pensions to determine the extent of any overlap
between DLA support and support via Local Authorities for those in residential care, and whether
this justifies reducing or removing the mobility component of this important allowance.


Conference notes that:

a) a) The impact of completely removing or reducing the Mobility Component from people in
residential care would be that up to approximately 80,000 people would be at risk of losing
this support, and that many of these people could be prevented from enjoying the freedom of
movement that is taken for granted by people who are not disabled.


b) The impact of the withdrawal of this benefit would be particularly severe for adults who depend on the Personal Expenses Allowance of £22.30 per week because all their income is taken to pay for their care and that as the PEA has to cover all personal spending including clothes, toiletries and mobile phones, there is normally no spare money to pay for transport.

c) Completely removing or reducing the Mobility Component of DLA for those in residential care
could significantly affect the poorest recipients.

d) Reducing or removing the DLA Mobility Component may mean taht children in residential schools are unable to engage with the wider community or experience the same opportunities to develop independence and life skills as their non-disabled peers and may be prevented from enjoying family visits.

e) Any government proposal on the Mobility Component of DLA should accord with the principle of fairness.

These changes may amount to a breach of the UK's obligations under Human Rights Conventions.

Conference therefore:

1. Calls on the Coalition Government not to remove the Mobility Component completely and to
ensure sufficient funding for the mobility needs of those who cannot afford to fund their needs
themselves.

2. Calls on the Coalition Government to ensure that any reductions to the Mobility Component are based on clear evidence thatthe cost of that support is provided via other funding meanst.

2. Reminds the Coalition Government of its obligations under Human Rights Conventions namely Article 20 (Personal Mobility) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31.

3. Re-affirms the party's commitment to the principle of fairness in implementing all cuts.

4. Resolves to campaign against a restriction to mobility support.