DLA Reform Consultation Dec 2010

[Ro 1]

Consultation paper about the proposed reform to DLA in 2013/2014 to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)


http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-reform-consultation.pdf


DWP DLA reform public consultation:


http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2010/dla-reform.shtml

[Ro 1]

Background & main points:


http://www.disabilityalliance.org/dlatest.htm

[belvederebabe]

Just another excuse to stop half of us getting the money we deserve....

[andypandy]

seems fair enough to me, although I do believe it should be your own GP who makes the decision not some stranger who knows nothing about you

[Duncan]

There are plans to replace DLA in 2012/2013 with Personal Independence Payments.

The consultation documents are here. Your views are sought.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2010/dla-reform.shtml

The new benefit will have two components. One for walking problems and one for care needs. There wil be two rates of benefit paid for each component. No details yet on the amounts.

[Rob]

Have they stated any intentions as to what they intend to do to the over 65's on DLA at all ?

[andypandy]

The new benefit will have two components. One for walking problems and one for care needs. There wil be two rates of benefit paid for each component. No details yet on the amounts.[/QUOTE]

That sounds just like DLA Duncan ? what will the difference actually be ?

[Ro 1]

Have they stated any intentions as to what they intend to do to the over 65's on DLA at all ?


It is not known whether those aged 65 & over will reasessed yet,the Government is still considering this.

[trevor51]

Hi where are all the people who used to post here ?this last while it has been very poor .

[Ro 1]

The new benefit will have two components. One for walking problems and one for care needs. There wil be two rates of benefit paid for each component. No details yet on the amounts.

That sounds just like DLA Duncan ? what will the difference actually be ?[/QUOTE]


The proposals are that there will be two rates for the daily living component (three rates for DLA care) & two rates for the mobility component.

The Department will take into account the experience from the introduction of the Work Capability Assessment for Employment and Support Allowance,so it is likely that the new medical assessment will be similiar to the WCA for ESA,which should be updated soon to include the use of aids & adaptations such as manual wheelchairs.

New criteria will be applied for entitlement,the emphasis will be on evidence & activities.

One part will look at how a person can get around. The other
part will look at how a person can carry out all the things they
need to do to take part in everyday life.


Easy read proposals for PIP:


http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-reform-consultation-easyread.pdf

[andypandy]

Thanks Ro.

What do they mean by looking at how people use wheelchairs to get around ? do you know ?

[Ro 1]

From the consultation document,Chapter 2,Question 7/26:

We know that many disabled people use aids and adaptations to increase their ability to participate in everyday life. Currently, DLA takes account of some adaptations, such as prosthetic limbs, but not all, wheelchairs for example. We believe we should take greater account of the successful use of aids and adaptations as part of the Personal Independence Payment assessment, to ensure that support is appropriately targeted on those who need it most, and that the benefit reflects the advances made in this area. This might mean, for example, considering an individual’s ability to get about in a wheelchair, rather than ignoring the wheelchair, as we do currently.

https://interactive.dwp.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-reform-public-consultation/chapter-2-the-new-benefit-our-proposals

[trickiedickie]

Ive been lead to believe that if you can propel yourself in a wheelchair about Thirty Metres then you wont qualify for Mobility Component? Same goes for an Electric Wheelchair you wont get Mobility Component?? To me if this is so then my car would be lost as ive a manual chair/car transportable electric scooter. The powers to be just have no idea the effort it takes to push a wheelchair and ive got weak arms/hands due to small strokes. My Wife comes in handy there.

TD

[Ro 1]

The finer details of the Personal Dependence Payment are still being worked up for the medical assessment & will be applied 2013/2014 onwards,the consultation paper does not refer to the type of wheelchair,the distance covered or how exactly this affects benefit entitlement.

News rules should be shortly added to ESA & the medical assessment for that benefit,these include being able to mobilise in a manual wheelchair.

You should inform your GP about your difficulties with a manual wheelchair.

[andypandy]

This is really scary stuff. I play wheelchair tennis to help cope with my severe depression. Yet, when I am outside in the street I need help, but most of the time refuse to get pushed as I feel even more disabled when this happens.

I feel as tho I would be better off giving up and going back to where I was 12 months ago with nothing to look forward to. I am suffering with depression atm and already feel that there is no point in carrying on as whatever I do it will be from a wheelchair - so what really is the point in carrying on ?

[andypandy]

Just had a thought if I lose my mobility then I will lose my car and then I wont be able to have a life anyway. I don't drive and have a carer for this, so she won't be needed, so she will be made redundant and I will just have to stay in. We live in Cornwall so definitely need a car !!! I am depressed atm as it is, this is all I need. I dont normally worry about the future of DLA etc. but this has really worried me and really cant see the point in carrying on.

Sorry if this is depressing, but it is how I feel I am taking Diazepam just to sleep and get away from life !

[Ro 1]

There is every point in carrying on,you are a wonderful person & it is very brave of you to make the effort that you have made to turn your life around & to make a life for yourself.I see what you have achieved & I am proud of you.

As stated above the finer detail has not been worked up, & this is a consultation paper,it is not law yet.There is an opportunity to say what you think about the proposed changes in the above links.This consultation closes 11 Feb 2011.

[reddee]

Disability Alliance is examining DLA and the Government proposals to ensure we have strong evidence to contribute to the consultation.

DLA was introduced to help disabled people meet the higher costs of living associated with health conditions and impairments. Disability Alliance is concerned that DLA is not meeting its original purpose; a third of disabled people currently live in poverty in the UK.

We are very concerned that Government reform is based on cutting DLA expenditure by 20%. This may result in greater numbers of disabled people unable to access support and living in poverty.

Your input to this survey will help identify who the Government cuts and proposals will affect and how people may lose out. Please respond by 10th February 2011. This will allow us to include your answers in our response to the Government consultation.

Please fill out this survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/dlareform

[andypandy]

who sees the answers to this survey ? I am concerned it is very private information and not sure where the info is going ? Can you see the answers for instance ?

who is the disability alliance ?

[beau]

http://www.disabilityalliance.org/

[andypandy]

Thanks Ro, that means a lot

[spencer69]

I am absolutely appalled! Surely,before even anybody commences to complete or take part in this survey or any alike, shouldn't our supposed groups such as disability alliance and others be fighting to stop this consultation even going ahead and not taking part in any of the consultation.

For all our sakes its as if we have all accepted that this PIP is already in the bag!

I strongly suggest that members read contents of forums on benefits and work website and that we stand to fight this consultation.

I would further strongly suggest that members read and digest the documents as prepared and forwarded by Rhydian Fon James on 'wheres the benefit' website or blogspot as its known and then decide.

Too many of our so called disability charities, whom are meant to be on our side, are acting as if they ar working hand in hand with those who are committed tog going ahead with this consultation and totally changing the goalposts for the entitlement to DLA as difficult as it is already to be awarded.

[spencer69]

Survey by the disability alliance about the proposed changes to DLA!

You will find my response posted as 3rd reply posted at 2.31 AM on 21st December.

I implore all members to read the thread from its beginning and those links and questions on the disability alliance website (there are links which open new windows so youu wont have to keep going back to this page).

I am just amazed and bewildered that an organisation have already accepted what seems to be defeat!

As I mention, surely this group and others (and there aren't many) should be fighting against this hellish consultation rather than just lying back and admitting defeat!

Or are they in cahoots with those who are presently in power (for the moment!).

[Richard]

To be honest I don't think it is lying down and admitting defeat, this government and the last is hell bent on getting all disabled people off high benefits, firstly he primed the media and they printed that we are all the lowest scum bags in society living off hard working tax payers and like sheep the people have just followed this, reading comments from news papers I would say that 80% would say that we should work.
If you want to go out side and have a protest waving your banners you can see the headlines in tomorrows paper “ FIT TO PROTEST, BUT NOT TO WORK” and in return we will get less respect from the public. This government will not back down there are no U-turns on this one it will go though like it or not, it is going to affect me and I could end up on JSA like the rest with a cat-in-hells chance in getting a job, I do think with this one you have to face up to the facts and grin and bear it.

[reddee]

There is a on line Petition asking for the recall of this "consultation".

To sign it .................

http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition....-dla-reform/569

[Ro 1]

It is unlikely that the consultatation will be stopped,it is going forward & you have until 14 Feb 2011 to have your say & put down your views on this reform via the above links in the first post on this thread.



The proposals:


https://interactive.dwp.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-reform-public-consultation/chapter-2-the-new-benefit-our-proposals




You can also put your concerns to your MP in a letter or email.Tell your representative how you feel about the DLA reform & how it could affect you.(Make sure that you put your full name & address at the top of your letter or email)

MP's hold surgeries in you local area,visit them & tell them face to face what you think.It is your MP who will be voting on these reforms,not the Disability Alliance.


To find your MP:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/representatives/index.stm


Visit your GP & tell him/her about the proposed reform to DLA,tell them how this is affecting you,your health now & how it could affect you in the future.

[Oldestrocker]

Hi,
I have a lot of questions to ask but also need to do a lot of research first, so will keep them till later.

In the meantime, I am a little concerned about this 'new' PIP benefit. I will be 65 in June 2014, and currently receive LRM (previously was HRC & HRM).

On the assumption that DLA is going to go the same way as IB, I do not expect to be able to have it after 2013.

What I would like to know, does anybody know if this new PIP is to be linked into AA as regards the care component - will the new rules apply for that benefit as well?

The only reason I ask is that I don't want to rock the boat and lose my DLA if I ask for a review. Maybe it would be wiser to wait until I am 65 and claim AA.

[Oldestrocker]

To be honest I don't think it is lying down and admitting defeat, this government and the last is hell bent on getting all disabled people off high benefits, firstly he primed the media and they printed that we are all the lowest scum bags in society living off hard working tax payers and like sheep the people have just followed this, reading comments from news papers I would say that 80% would say that we should work.
If you want to go out side and have a protest waving your banners you can see the headlines in tomorrows paper “ FIT TO PROTEST, BUT NOT TO WORK” and in return we will get less respect from the public. This government will not back down there are no U-turns on this one it will go though like it or not, it is going to affect me and I could end up on JSA like the rest with a cat-in-hells chance in getting a job, I do think with this one you have to face up to the facts and grin and bear it.

I have to agree with you. It will go ahead - there will be no U turns. There is little point in arguing the matter.
Trying to claim ESA is bad enough and with the new rules for that coming in shortly, PIP has to fit into the new scheme of things.

People have had it good for years - OK if they are genuine, they deserve it, but the benefit system has been abused for far too long.
It's sad, but the minority have in this case, spoilt it for the majority.
The general public see the disabled and sick as living on the edge of society. Not quite fitting in, very similar to the opinions of travellers!
People that don't deserve respect, Can work - but chose not to.

[ians13770]

We, the undersigned, urge the Minister for Disabled People to recall the Public Consultation on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reform, and to cease work on reform of this benefit, due to serious flaws in the consultation paper. As such, the consultation questions are deeply skewed and any answers will be likely to support wholesale reform. This is both unfair and unwise, and will cause hardship for many disabled people.

The case for reform has been criticized, and then completely demolished, by the various disability rights groups fighting reform. They accuse the DWP of building their argument without sufficient evidence. The claims that DLA can act as a barrier to work, in particular, are robustly questioned. Questions are also raised concerning the accuracy of the representation of supporting data. For example, the claim is made that DLA claims have risen by 30% in eight years - without accounting for population growth of 5% in this period, a pronounced demographic shift, and increased awareness of DLA.

Most devastating to the case for reform is the critique of proposed amendments, leading one to ask whether augmenting DLA might not be a better, cheaper way of improving employment opportunities, rather than launching an entirely new benefit. It would seem that the costs of such rebranding are only justified when savings are made by cutting the DLA caseload by 20%. This figure is, in and of itself, questionable – how is it possible to know that this many people can be removed?

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appears to be a case of cuts dressed as positive reform. Disability rights groups and charities have uniformly condemned the proposals, warning of dire consequences. The list of those affected includes: people who are mobile with aids; people with disabilities so severe that they are unable to be very active; care home residents; those who receive local authority care packages. Most other disabled people will suffer through needless reassessments upon the introduction of PIP, and re-testing every few years even when a condition cannot be treated.

There is a strong feeling amongst people with disabilities that the Coalition Government have declared war on us, with a continual ratcheting of pressure on us since the Emergency Budget in June 2010. Announcements on Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, and Disability Living Allowance have made us feel that the Government is scapegoating us and removing the support on which we depend. Iain Duncan-Smith’s comments to The Sun newspaper [01/12/2010) suggesting that Incapacity Benefit claimants were partly to blame for a large fiscal deficit caused by a recession, a bail-out of the banks and quantitative easing. Whilst there may be ways to improve DLA, they do not involve replacing it with a new benefit, and neither do they involve removing anyone from the claimant caseload.

sign the petition (http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/petition-the-minister-for-disabled-people-to-recall-the-public-consultation-on-dla-reform/569)

[clivegsd]

I would further strongly suggest that members read and digest the documents as prepared and forwarded by Rhydian Fon James on 'wheres the benefit' website or blogspot as its known and then decide.


Sorry to burst your bubble but Rhydian only answers questions he is comfortable with, He hasn't the capacity or curtesy to reply if he doesn't want to, not really the way to conduct matters Rhydian.

I'd view him as useful as the government Quangos (charities) are.

[Oldestrocker]

The case for reform has been criticized, and then completely demolished, by the various disability rights groups fighting reform. They accuse the DWP of building their argument without sufficient evidence. The claims that DLA can act as a barrier to work, in particular, are robustly questioned.URL="http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/petition-the-minister-for-disabled-people-to-recall-the-public-consultation-on-dla-reform/569"]sign the petition[/URL]

I must disagree with this comment and agree entirely with that put forward by the Government.

Throughout the past 6 years I have questioned my decision regarding DLA continously.

A short history: I suffered severe mental and physical trauma in 1994. In 1995, my CPN, Social Worker & Consultant, helped my wife apply for DLA and other associated benefits. I knew nothing about it as was detained under the Mental Health Act.
I was granted DLA - HRM & HRC - for life & 100% IIDB as well as IB & IS.
I was in well paid employment earning a salary in 5 figures prior to the event.

In the years that followed, I underwent a multitude of assessments and countless hours of therapy. In addition to these, an every increasing number and dosage levels of 'mind bending' drugs.

Eventually in 2004, I decided I wanted to rejoin society and found some voluntary work through the Shaw Trust.
At this point in time, I felt that still having to undergo treatment and medication was holding me back from becoming 'normal' again. I also viewed the recepit of DLA & IIDB was 'tag' that made me feel different from other 'normal' people.
Consequently I wrote to the DWP asking them to remove my entitlement to these benefits. This they did, but refused to remove the mobility element of DLA entirely and instead changed it to LRM.
Also I refused to co-operate with the Mental Health Unit and by 2008, they had eventually given up trying to entice me back!

Unfortunately, not being able to cope, I became alcohol dependent which led to developing Acute over Chronic Pancreatitis. Since then I haven't worked and rely entirely on Income Support/ESA. The complications of this disease have now developed to such an extent that I have no life as such, and am daily medicated with powerful pain relief drugs.

Do I regret asking the Government to remove DLA & IIDB - NO. I genuinely felt that having those benefits was holding me back from trying to achieve normality.
Do I think that DLA & IIDB is a barrier, YES they are, and there must be many others like me that think so as well!

[trevor51]

i doubt it

[andypandy]

survey by the disability alliance about the proposed changes to dla!

You will find my response posted as 3rd reply posted at 2.31 am on 21st december.

I implore all members to read the thread from its beginning and those links and questions on the disability alliance website (there are links which open new windows so youu wont have to keep going back to this page).

I am just amazed and bewildered that an organisation have already accepted what seems to be defeat!

As i mention, surely this group and others (and there aren't many) should be fighting against this hellish consultation rather than just lying back and admitting defeat!

Or are they in cahoots with those who are presently in power (for the moment!).


do you have any links for these pages, it makes life much easier ?

[andypandy]

thats a very strange view oldestrocker, if you were awarded the benefits then DWP decided you were entitled. At the end of the day, it was your choice - if a little odd !

[spencer69]

do you have any links for these pages, it makes life much easier ?

andypandy, although I am unable to post a link if you place a search in 'google' for 'where's the benefit' blogspot, through this you can follow Rhydian Fon James on his 'twitter' page.

Additionally, the website named 'www.thebrokenofbritain.org' will take you directly to his webpage which details his lengthy letter to which I refer in my posts on this site.

A little extra information for you is that Rhydian is a jounalist with either the Guardian or Independant (apologies to rhydian for not getting his paper correct!).

I hope you manage to find the letter that Rhydian has forwarded to government...am unsure as to whether he has received a reply as of yet but it is because of the content and Rhydians views, which we should all be following, and is why I say that we shouldn't make any comments or give any views at all until Rhydian has had an answer as to the legality/lawfulness of such a reform consultation taking place.

Hoping to manage you find details of the above and I and many others look forward to your views and comments.

spencer69

[andypandy]

but surely we cant rely on just one journalist getting an answer ?

[ians13770]

Of course the fact that the "charities" involved may get up to £14,000 per claimant they "help" and the fact that a lot of their other government funding is being cut will have nothing to do with the proposed PIP legislation will it?

What questions did you ask Rhydian Clive? I am interested.

[ians13770]

Don't forget the Petition (and Rhydian's comments/letter) is at

http://www.petitiononline.co.uk/petition/petition-the-minister-for-disabled-people-to-recall-the-public-consultation-on-dla-reform/569

The point being that the consultation is NOT about DLA, its about how best to implement PIP!

[Oldestrocker]

thats a very strange view oldestrocker, if you were awarded the benefits then DWP decided you were entitled. At the end of the day, it was your choice - if a little odd !

Not really. Many people see the receipt of benefits especially disablement benefits as being something that 'labels' them and 'holds them back'.
The last thing you want to feel when you are trying to get back into society is the constant reminder that you are - "disabled".

So does those types of benefit do form a barrier which was the original question.

Even now, and still not recovered and having further serious physical disabilities, I will not apply for DLA. I do however receive ESA, but that is based on my contributions and therefore feel that I have paid for it with my NI contributions.

For you to make that comment I would doubt if you have ever been sectioned and/or spent years in a Mental Health Unit.

[andypandy]

Like I said, at the end of the day, its your choice and you don't know anything about me as I don't know anything about you. You made a statement, I thought it was slightly odd. So lets not slinging mud shall we ? If I offended you, it was not not my intention and please accept my apologies

[trevor51]

i think you are on your own on this one mate ,this money is to help people and you can go back to work if you think you are fit and able many people depend on this money to live .

[Ro 1]

From the BBC website about the Welfare Reform,disability & human rights:


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12141725



At the end of the article:



Consultation process

The government, which claims the changes could reduce spending by 20%, says it is committed to helping disabled people live independent lives and that the changes are needed.

The proposals are part of a consultation process that ends on 14 February.

The Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, urged people to give their views before the consultation ends on the 14th of February:

She told the BBC: "It's really important that when people do give their input into the consultation that there is a realism about it.

"We are dealing here with a benefit which as I said is one of the largest benefits that's paid in the UK and that we need to make sure it's getting to the people who need it most."



The consultation is going forward,have your say by filling it in by 14 Feb.Your voice & opinions will be heard via this,the official channel & by writing to your MP.

[Lin]

It turned out yesterday that changes may breach Human Rights Law, and the Disability Discrimination laws:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12141725

Lin :)