MSP consults local organisations about UK government proposals
Responding to UK government proposals to abolish some disability benefits, including attendance allowance, Central Scotland SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has spoken of her serious concern that such a move would result in vulnerable people losing out.
Attendance allowance is a tax free benefit for people with physical or learning disabilities who need assistance, for example with personal care.
The UK Government has published a green paper which proposes scrapping the allowance in favour of centralising the funds, a move which many say is in order to plug a growing funding black hole at the centre of social services in England. However, because welfare benefits are a reserved matter for the Westminster parliament, attendance allowance in the devolved nations would also be affected. Concerns have already been raised about the proposal by a number of organisations, including the RNIB and Capability Scotland.
Commenting, Ms McKelvie said:
“Disability organisations have already expressed deep reservations about this proposal, and I share their concerns.
“I am very worried that the loss of attendance allowance would result not only in potentially reduced income but also in a loss of independence, choice and control for disabled people.
“There are currently almost 11,000 people over the age of 64 in receipt of attendance allowance in South Lanarkshire alone, so the impact would be considerable.
“I have written to a number of local organisations representing disabled people, pensioners and carers to seek their views about this proposal and the impact that the loss of attendance allowance would have. I would be very pleased to hear from any other individual or organisation who shares my concerns.
“This proposal is not a done deal yet. Presented with evidence of the devastating impact that the loss of attendance allowance could have for so many people, the UK Government might be persuaded to drop this short-sighted proposal. There is still time to save attendance allowance.”