Disability Cuts Could ‘Breach Human Rights’

Disability campaigners are warning the government that proposed changes to the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) could breach human rights.

The government are putting forward plans to replace the DLA with the new Personal Independence Payment.  The changes are designed to streamline the current system and to cut the amount currently spent on payments.

Disability Freedom

Many disabled people use their Disability Living Allowance to contribute towards buying a mobility car through the Motability scheme or to pay for transport allowing them to get out and about, giving them more freedom in their everyday lives.

Speaking to the BBC, disability lawyer Mike Charles said: “The human rights act says individuals have a right to family life and a right to quality of life.

“The whole purpose of the Disability Living Allowance is to put them on an equal playing field with everyone else.”

He continued: “Any proposal that fails to appreciate those fundamental rights could find it is an infringement of the law.”

Consultation Process

The new Personal Independence Payment will consider the impact that disability has on a person’s daily life.  The payment will be aimed at supporting those individuals who face the greatest day-to-day challenges and who are likely to experience higher costs as a result.

The benefit will only be available to people with a long-term health condition or disability.  Individuals will have to qualify for the benefit for a period of six months and be expected to continue to qualify for a further six months before an award can be made.

The government claims the changes are necessary and will help disabled people to live more independent lives.

The proposals form part of a public consultation process which ends on 14th February.  For more details and to tell the Government your views on support for people living with disability go to http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2010/dla-reform.shtml