McMillan Raises Parliamentary Motion on Cuts to Welfare Spending

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

MOTION

Date of Lodging: 23 May 2011

Short Title: Cuts to Welfare Spending

S4M-00083 Stuart McMillan (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament notes with concern plans by the UK Government to cut £9 billion from the benefits budget over the Comprehensive Spending Review period, including over £2 billion from Disability Living Allowance and over £1 billion from employment and support allowance; considers that these cuts will have a direct affect on many disabled people in Scotland, potentially depriving tens of thousands of vital financial support to meet the extra costs that they face and to support them as they prepare for work; acknowledges the views of RNIB Scotland, which argues that this will disproportionately affect the chances of people with disabilities, including people with sight loss, to lead independent lives, and therefore urges the UK Government to review the savings to be delivered by measures contained in the Welfare Reform Bill and maintain essential support for blind, partially-sighted and other disabled people.

McMillan Backs RNIB Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) the vice-convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Visual Impairment, is backing a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the often devastating personal consequences of sight loss.

Asked by the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland what he would miss most if he lost his vision, Mr. McMillan said he would miss seeing his children growing up.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Many of us take our sight for granted and without doubt seeing my children growing up would be a big loss for me and is difficult to imagine.

"I'm very happy to help support the vital work that RNIB Scotland does in helping blind and partially sighted people to live as fully and independently as possible. Asking members of the public to take just a moment to think of all the things they would lose if they lost their sight really brings home the true impact of sight loss.

"I hope as many people as possible will take a few moments to take part in the campaign".

Note to Editor
· Stuart McMillan MSPs quote, recorded on video, has been posted on RNIB Scotland’s website and can be viewed alongside the First Minister’s views here: whatwouldyoulose.org.uk

McMillan Says Blind Community Ignored

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has said the Westminster Government are ignoring the blind community.

Mr. McMillan raised concerns on the levels of support available for the visually impaired. The response from the Government has acknowledged the concerns but Ministers are refusing to commit to any action that would address the issues.

Following a response from the Minister for Disabled People, Mr. McMillan said;

"I wrote to the Minister raising concerns surrounding the eligibility criteria for the Mobility Component Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for blind people.

"The RNIB has had discussions with the Government on this, which the Minister accepts have been constructive. However, despite accepting the problems facing the visually impaired the Westminster Government is not prepared to take any action.

"It is quite simply a breach of trust to engage in a lengthy consultation with organisations and then take no action on the outcome. The Westminster Government must take action now and provide respite for the blind community in Inverclyde and elsewhere.

"The government needs to reconsider its position as a matter of urgency and support the blind community.

Notes:

In the response to Mr. McMillan's letter raising concerns, the Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire MP states:

"As you know, we have had very constructive discussions with the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) and others on whether there is scope to extend the higher-rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance to people with severe visual impairments. Whilst we understand the force of the RNIB's arguments and are sympathetic to its aims, we are not able at this time to commit to amending the existing arrangements for the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance."