EFFECTS OF JUNE 2010 BUDGET ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Early day motion 369, tabled 30 June 2010 by Fiona O'Donnell (Labour). Signed by 69 members.

That this House recognises that disability living allowance (DLA) is crucial for the disabled adults and children to cover the additional cost of living with a disability; believes that any reforms to DLA and the reassessment of all working age DLA claimants will result in a reduction in the amount of benefit paid to disabled people; notes that the Government's own figures predict that by 2014-15 using the Consumer Prices Index for the annual uprating of benefits will reduce the amount spent on benefits by £5 billion; further believes this will lead to increased numbers of disabled people living in poverty; notes that disabled people experience extra barriers to finding suitable homes, for example the need for ground floor access, space for specialist equipment and wider entranceways to allow for wheelchair access; further believes that any cap or reduction in local housing allowance risks leaving many disabled people unable to afford suitable accommodation; and calls on the Government to complete a full and comprehensive equality impact assessment detailing how the changes announced in the Budget will impact on disabled people.

Signatures by party: Labour 55, DUP 7, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.