Agenda item

White Paper - Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance

This council is deeply concerned by the proposal in the Welfare Reform Bill to remove the mobility component from Disability Living Allowance for people living in registered care homes.

 

The mobility component provides essential support for many vulnerable people living in care homes.  It helps people with disabilities live independent lives by taking part in every day activities that require them to spend more money on mobility costs.  Removing the benefit will cut this vital avenue for inclusion and empowerment, which is something that should be protected.

 

Council asks the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to urge that the proposal to remove the mobility component from Disability Living Allowance for people living in registered care homes be withdrawn from the Welfare Reform Bill.

 

 

      L YEADON

 

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Yeadon, seconded by Councillor Selby that this Council is deeply concerned by the proposal in the Welfare Reform Bill to remove the mobility component from Disability Living Allowance for people living in registered care homes.

 

The mobility component provides essential support for many vulnerable people living in care homes.  It helps people with disabilities live independent lives by taking part in every day activities that require them to spend more money on mobility costs.  Removing the benefit will cut this vital avenue for inclusion and empowerment, which is something that should be protected.

 

Council asks the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to urge that the proposal to remove the mobility component from Disability Living Allowance for people living in registered care homes be withdrawn from the Welfare Reform Bill.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Golton, seconded by Councillor G Latty in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.2 to replace the words:-

 

This Council is deeply concerned by the proposal in the Welfare Reform Bill’

 

With:-

 

‘This Council welcomes the government’s recognition of the widespread concern raised by the proposal’

 

Following words ‘registered care homes.’, insert words:

 

‘This Council therefore further welcomes the government’s decision to leave this measure out of the Welfare Reform Bill.’

 

Delete all from words ‘The mobility component provides’ to the end of the motion and replace with:-

 

‘This Council acknowledges the need to reform welfare as part of a number of difficult funding decisions required in order for the country’s economy to return to sustained growth, following a disastrous period of economic boom and bust under the previous government and welcomes the government’s decision to look at this measure as part of the introduction of a new Personal Independence Payment which will ensure the mobility needs of people in residential care are guaranteed in the most appropriate way.

 

This Council resolves to participate fully in any consultation on this issue and ensure that the voices of Leeds residents are clearly heard by the government.’

 

The amended motion would then read:-

 

‘This Council welcomes the government’s recognition of the widespread concern raised by the proposed removal of the mobility component from the Disability Living Allowance. This Council therefore further welcomes the government’s decision to leave this measure out of the Welfare Reform Bill.

 

This Council acknowledges the need to reform welfare as part of a number of difficult funding decisions required in order for the country’s economy to return to sustained growth, following a disastrous period of economic boom and bust under the previous government and welcomes the government’s decision to look at this measure as part of the introduction of a new Personal Independence Payment which will ensure the mobility needs of people in residential care are guaranteed in the most appropriate way.

 

This Council resolves to participate fully in any consultation on this issue and ensure that the voices of Leeds residents are clearly heard by the government.’

 

The amendment was lost and upon being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED

 

That this Council is deeply concerned by the proposal in the Welfare Reform Bill to remove the mobility component from Disability Living Allowance for people living in registered care homes.

 

The mobility component provides essential support for many vulnerable people living in care homes.  It helps people with disabilities live independent lives by taking part in every day activities that require them to spend more money on mobility costs.  Removing the benefit will cut this vital avenue for inclusion and empowerment, which is something that should be protected.

 

Council asks the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to urge that the proposal to remove the mobility component from Disability Living Allowance for people living in registered care homes be withdrawn from the Welfare Reform Bill.

 

(The provisions of Council Procedure Rule 3.1(d) was applied at the conclusion of the debate on the above motion.)