LETTER: Blind will suffer if Disability Living Allowance scrapped

Disability Living Allowance helps me with some of these expenses, so I am extremely concerned by the Government’s plans to replace it, spending 20% less on a new benefit – Personal Independence Payment.

The proposed test for PIP fails to recognise the challenges of living with sight loss and that these don’t disappear over time. This could leave me without support to do everyday things people with sight take for granted, like getting out to do food shopping, travelling to hospital appointments, joining groups, looking for work or training, and staying safe in my home.

The Government said PIP would be fair and support disabled people to remain independent, yet it seems many blind and partially sighted people will be excluded. I have asked my MP to write to the Government raising these concerns on my behalf, because the help I get from DLA is not a luxury; it means I can live independently. If you have concerns about PIP, information and help to contact your MP is available from RNIB at www.rnib.org.uk/campaigns

MICHAEL TUPPER

Clitheroe