Release date: 22 June 2010
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) welcomes the Coalition Government's commitment to ensuring fairness is at the heart of its approach to tacking the budget deficit. In particular we welcome the Prime Minister's "fairness test" for government - that it looks after the most vulnerable, not just in good times but in bad.
It is against these criteria that we judge the impact of the Emergency Budget. Blind and partially sighted people are among the most vulnerable groups in our society, facing very high rates of poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.
Overall RNIB has serious concerns about the combined effect of the various measures in the Emergency Budget. We welcome the increase in the personal tax allowance and the reconnection of the basic state pension with earnings. These changes will have a positive impact on the incomes of many blind and partially sighted people. However this is likely to be outweighed by the impact of the increase in VAT, cuts to housing benefit, the squeeze on local authority budgets and changes to the eligibility criteria for DLA.
In particular, RNIB has serious questions regarding changes to the eligibility criteria for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This benefit has previously been recognised as well targeted and there is very little evidence of abuse of DLA. RNIB will be looking for clarification on how those with "the highest medical need" will be identified and assurances that all blind and partially sighted people in need of this important benefit will continue to receive it.
RNIB Chief Executive, Lesley-Anne Alexander, says: "Government has recognised the benefits of improved tax treatment for low-paid workers and committed to protect key benefits for older people, including free eye tests for those over 60.
"However, there are certainly difficult times ahead, particularly for those on low incomes. Housing benefit cuts will cause hardship among those with no possibility of finding decent, cheaper accommodation, while council tax freezes could result in cuts to social care services. Perhaps most worrying for blind and partially sighted people are questions raised by the new gateway to DLA. Previously there was no suggestion that those receiving this vital benefit were not entitled to it, so we are looking for assurances that any changes will not exclude the people who need it."
RNIB will be examining further details on the Budget as they become available and lobbying the Government where necessary to safeguard the position of blind and partially sighted people.
End of media release
For further information or to arrange a media interview with an RNIB spokesperson, please contact RNIB Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2223 or email pressoffice@rnib.org.uk. Out of hours call 07968 482812.
Notes for Editors
DLA Higher Rate Mobility Component
RNIB and Action for Blind People continue to work with DWP officials on the extension of eligibility for the higher rate mobility component of DLA. We understand the Regulations needed to bring the change into effect will be laid before Parliament in the next week or so. This allows enough time for their approval before the summer recess. The re-assessment of visually impaired claimants on the lower rate of the mobility component will start in the autumn with the objective of completing the process before April 2011 when payments will start. We are confident that the change is going ahead despite the very difficult fiscal environment.
Areas of concern
RNIB will be following further announcements closely, as more detail of the Government's programme and the budgetary implications emerge. Areas of particular concern include:
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Access to culture, media and sport
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Access to transport
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Consumer protection measures
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Education
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Equalities and disability
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Health and social care
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Jobs and welfare
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Pensions and support for older people
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Support for families and children
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The role of communities and local government
About RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
RNIB is a partner in the UK Vision Strategy, a ground-breaking UK-wide initiative which seeks a major transformation in the UK's eye health, eye care and sight loss services. The strategy was launched in April 2008 in response to a World Health Assembly global resolution to reduce avoidable blindness by the year 2020 and to improve support and services for blind and partially sighted people.