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From the
Essex Echo in the UK:
Disabled residents are concerned their benefits may be cut if new Government proposals to create a National Care Service get the go-ahead.
A four-month consultation into a green paper which sets out plans to provide a fair and affordable system of care for people in their old age finishes tomorrow.
By 2026, it is estimated 1.7 million adults will need care and support to help them through their old age and the Government wants to set out a system which looks after everybody.
But the document also suggests changes to disability benefits, such as the attendance allowance, a tax-free benefit for people aged over 65 with mobility problems, to help them pay for personal care.
The benefit, worth either £70.35 or £47.10 depending on the individual’s need, is paid direct to the claimant.
Under the plans, it could be combined into the National Care system, reducing the flexibility of disabled pensioners to choose how they pay for their care.
Many disabled pensioners rely on the payment to help with other costs of living, such as heating and food, especially where one person in a couple acts as the other’s carer.
Richard Boyd, chief executive of Disability Essex, which represents 11,000 disabled people across the county, said: “We are getting a continuous stream of phone calls from very, very concerned people trying to find out where they will stand with the new proposals.
“We are trying to be honest by saying the country is going to cut the benefits burden on the taxpayer.
“The country is faced with a cash crisis.
“We are saying to disabled people, ‘watch this space carefully and talk to the disabled charities who speak on your behalf because the individual voice will be lost’.”
Alfred Papworth (pictured), 76, of Ashdown Crescent, Hadleigh, had to give up work as an electrician 20 years ago after an accident at work caused serious leg injuries, which left him unable to work.
He also suffers from nine different medical conditions including osteoporosis, epilepsy, and serious back problems and receives disability living allowance and attendance allowance.
He said: “I think it’s wrong to attack the sick.
“To take away the attendance allowance and give it to social services would be wrong. I think it’s disgusting.”
Following pressure from groups campaigning on behalf of the disabled, Health Secretary Andy Burnham issued a statement clarifying the Government’s position last month.
He insisted Disabled Living Allowance for the under 65s would be unaffected, but added the future of attendance allowance was up for discussion.
He said: “We do think there may be a case for bringing together elements of some disability benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, with social care funding, to create a new care and support system to provide for the needs of older and disabled people.”
Mr Boyd reassured disabled residents that Disability Essex had made its views known to the Government.
He said: “One of the points we made is the biggest area of savings is to address the benefits claimed by people not entitled to them.
“The benefits system should encourage people to want to work to return to work and not penalise them if they do return to work.”
Disablity Essex has joined forces with similar charities and groups, such as Age Concern and Help the Aged, from across the East of England to submit its response to the green paper.
Mr Boyd added: “The East of England has a population larger than Scotland. If it speaks with one voice it gets listened to.”
From the Essex Echo in the UK:
