New Clause to Welfare Reform Bill from John Robertson MP, supported by Anne Begg MP, ends years of injustice

Scottish MPs have led the fight for a change in the law which will mean the amount of money paid to blind people by up to £1,500 a year. After a vote last night, blind people will now be entitled to the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance.

A new clause to the Welfare Reform Bill tabled last night by John Robertson, MP for Glasgow North West, was successfully passed by the House of Commons with Government support.

Previously, most blind people only received the lower rate of the mobility element of the Disability Living Allowance – which is designed to assist people who have difficulties getting out and about independently.

For a blind person on the lower rate this will mean a difference of £29 a week.

Over 220 MPs had signed a motion calling for change tabled by Anne Begg, MP for Aberdeen South, making it the most popular parliamentar motion this session. The amendment is the result of a long running campaign by RNIB and was signed by former Home Secretary David Blunkett MP.

John Robertson MP said:

“Today the Government have righted a longstanding wrong giving the liberty to blind people that many of us can take for granted and the mobility component will now finally live up to its name.

‘With the Tories withholding their support for this, while finding money for inheritance tax cuts for billionaires, it is a clear message of their priorities for the country if they ever get back into power. The SNP’s silence over this shows whose side they are really on.

‘I know that we would not have secured this change and the extra support for blind people under any other party. This is exactly what a Labour Government is for.’

Anne Begg MP said:

“I am absolutely delighted with this decision. I have been pursuing the government on this issue ever since some of the workers from Glencraft in my constituency came to lobby me about it almost 3 years ago.

“This is excellent news for blind people: the government has now recognised the need for them to receive extra money to help with the mobility issues related to their lack of sight.”

18 March 2009