Benefits news
There is good news and bad news on the benefits front. As from 11 April 2011 people with severe sight loss can receive an additional £30 a week because they can now qualify for the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This welcome change only came about after years of campaigning by RNIB and others.
If you think you qualify but are having difficulties in receiving this award, our Benefits advice service will be pleased to help.
At the same time, however, DLA and other benefits are under serious threat from the Government's welfare reform proposals. From 2013 we fear that a number of people, especially partially sighted people, could lose their DLA. Others will face a big drop in income as the result of the phasing out of Incapacity Benefit.
You can learn more by going to RNIB's national campaigns page.
The Hardest Hit Campaign
The 'Hardest Hit' march, rally and lobby of Parliament on 11 May 2011 in London allowed people with disabilities to voice their discontent. Over 8,000 protesters converged on Westminster. Blind and partially sighted people from all over Northern Ireland were there to show their support. Local media also featured the stories of four people who went along from NI.
Meeting the All Party Working Group
RNIB Northern Ireland, at the request of Jim Wells MLA on 27 September 2011, made a presentation to the All Party Assembly Group on Visual Impairment at the Northern Ireland Assembly - Stormont.
This dealt with a range of issues including our critique of the Welfare Reform Bill and a briefing on the Hardest Hit campaign.
This was well received and we hope will lead to further action locally, particularly in relation to employability training and constructive support concerning accessing and retaining employment for people with sight loss.
Public Debate
A public debate, co-sponsored by Disability Action and RNIB NI was held on Thursday 20 October at the Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast.
The debate was chaired by TV presenter, Linda Bryans, and those present put their questions to the four person panel comprising of:
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Tommy O'Reilly (CEO of the Social Security Agency)
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Joanne Samson (Chair person of the REAL Network)
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Professor ileen Evason (emeritus Professor of Social Administration at the University of Ulster, BBC Radio Ulster)
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Ian Paisley Jnr (MP for North Antrim)
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Mickey Brady (MLA for Newry and Armagh)
The audience consisted of people with disabilities, along with carers, friends and families and their allies.
The key aims of the debate:
It was apparent from the outset that the Hardest Hit campaign had the support of all panellists and it is hoped that this support can be replicated throughout the Northern Ireland Assembly and lead to positive action.
Northern Ireland MPs Lobby
In addition, the constituency offices of NI MPs were lobbied on the afternoon of Friday 21 October 2011. Constituents were able to meet with their MPs in smaller groups and discuss their worries and concerns about the Welfare Reform Bill.
Contacts
If you would like to obtain further information on the Hardest Hit campaign and what the Welfare Reform Bill means for you as a citizen please contact:
Harry Reid, RNIB NI Campaigns Manager
Tel: 028 9032 9373
Email: campaignsni@rnib.org.uk
Or you can visit: