Richard Burden MP: Fighting for a fair deal for everyone in Birmingham Northfield

A fair deal for blind people (19 March 2009)

The Government yesterday announced that it will amend the rules for disability allowances to allow people with a visual impairment to claim the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

This decision means that around 26,000 blind people in the UK will now receive an extra £29 per week to help them get out and about independently and safely.

This is great news. I am in touch with constituents who have visual impairments and I know this will make a real difference. It will help them to lead independent lives – to go out to meet friends, to get a job and to live life the way most of us take for granted. Over the last couple of years I have been happy to support the RNIB’s campaign. Until now, blind people have not been able to claim the higher rate mobility component of DLA – that is not fair. I am delighted by yesterday’s announcement which ensures a fair deal for blind people living in Northfield.

Over the last two years I have supported the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) campaign to improve support for blind people. Along with over 200 fellow MPs I signed a parliamentary motion (online here) calling for blind people to have access to the higher rate mobility allowance.

The RNIB have said they are overjoyed with the Government’s announcement. Welcoming the news, RNIB Chief Executive Lesley-Anne Alexander said:

‘It is a fantastic victory for people with severe visual impairment and for everybody who has supported RNIB’s two and a half year campaign to end this long standing injustice. The extra £29 a week really will change lives, giving people with severe visual impairment greater opportunities for employment, further education and social activities previous denied to them. It’s a key to their greater independence, safety and quality of life. RNIB thanks the Government for committing to make this much needed change, as well as all the MPs who have supported the campaign and their blind constituents.’