James Cunningham

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MP Claims Victory for local Blind People

18 March 2009

Labour proposals mean weekly cash boost on way for blind people.

Jim Cunningham MP has claimed victory in his and the Royal National Institute of Blind People's (RNIB) campaign to get more support to local blind people. Under the changes backed in the Welfare Reform Bill by Jim 20,000 blind people nationally will be entitled to receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.

The intention is to support some 20,000 visually impaired people with their additional mobility costs, allowing them greater freedom to get out and about either socially or to find work. At current rates this will mean an additional payment worth £29 a week to those who qualify (£1,508 per year).

Jim Cunningham MP said:

"I am delighted that the campaign to get more help to blind people has been successful. When this is introduced this change will transform the lives of blind people and their families. It can mean people are able to go out to meet friends, to get a job and to live life the way most of us take for granted. It is pity though that the Conservatives have opposed this change in the House of Commons. I know talking to blind people and their representatives that they will not understand why the Tories have opposed this measure giving dignity and support to blind people in Coventry."

James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:

"I pay tribute to the campaign that Jim Cunningham has worked on behalf of blind people in Coventry South. He made a powerful case on behalf of local people and we are pleased to have been able to include the measure in our welfare bill.

"The Government has always been supportive of this change so we are delighted that we have been able to include it in our Welfare Reform Bill."

Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People, said:

"I know many severely blind people have been waiting to hear this good news and will be very happy with the outcome. The Labour Government has been working closely with the RNIB to make this possible so I'd like to especially thank them for all their support."

The Welfare Reform Bill has passed third reading stage today in the face of opposition from Conservative and Liberal MPs. The Bill will provide the additional powers to ensure that people make use of the help made available to them and maximise their employment prospects for the future. After the legislation finishes going through parliament Ministers will decide on how to implement these changes for blind people.