news story

4th January 2008

MP Backs Yate Resident in Campaign for Better Benefits for Blind People

Steve Webb MP at a recent Westminster event organised by RNIB to highlight the campaign, together with Steve Winyard, RNIB's Head of Campaigns, and a 'ticket' showing the costs for blind people of ordinary activities

Northavon MP Steve Webb has given his backing to a campaign for improved benefits for blind people following contact from local residents, including Mr. Mark Austen from Yate. At present, blind people only qualify for the 'lower' rate of mobility allowance, currently worth just £17.10 per week, whereas many other disabled people with mobility problems qualify for the 'higher' rate of £45 per week.

Now Steve Webb has given his backing to a campaign by the Royal National Institute for the Blind to have blind people brought into the higher rate of benefit to reflect the additional costs that they face in getting out and about.

Mr. Austen of Yate says:

"Most people really have no concept of how difficult is for Blind people to get around or the costs involved. £17.10 simply isn't enough to enable people with severe sight loss to go out to do the things that we all need to; with the higher rate (£45.00) people would be able to do more of the things that others take for granted.

"I experience a wide range of problems getting out and about independently which can prevent me from being able to do many fundamental things like getting to the doctor, shopping on my own, meeting friends, being a member of groups or joining in local activities. Not being able to do these things has a profound impact on my life".

Steve Webb said:

"It is good that the benefit system tries to help people who face extra costs in getting out and about, but the present system is clearly not doing enough for people who have severe visual impairment.

"For blind people this extra money could make a real difference both in terms of getting a job and having an active social life. I have written again to ministers about this issue and hope that this campaign will be successful for people such as Mr. Austen who have contacted me".