To agree with some of the cuts being made

[lesley33]

Obviously I mean cuts being made by the Government. I have been reading stories in the press about some of the cuts being made that have examples of people who will suffer because of these. Some I don't agree with, but with some that you are obviously supposed to sympathise with I think, well thats fair enough cutting that. Fine in an ideal world, but hardly a necessity.

For example, I totally disagree with cuts to speech therapy and physiotherapy - always seems to be undervalued when it comes to public funding.

But some charging for services to disbled people seems fair enough. Lots of these services such as a local bus pass that gives free transport to disabled people came into being before DLA. But now DLA exists, surely this should be used to pay for things like this?

Also read stories about people not getting DLA in spite of disabilities. Lots of people don't seem to understand you get DLA not just because you are disabled, but because you need help with everyday tasks such as bathing, cooking, etc. If people don't need help, then no they shouldn't get DLA whatever their disability.
AIBU?

expatinscotland - yes extra costs such as washing soiled laundry frequently as well. But my point was never about DLA. It was that with the existence of DLA, local schemes to provide things free of charge that DLA should pay for is a luxury in present times.

If you had, you'd know just how hard it is to get. Your doctor has to help complete the form.

They don't dish it out because you say, 'Hey, I'm disabled.'

Plenty of people get it who don't need help every day, such as people with disabilities like autism.

Yes, your point was about DLA. That's the only thing you discussed in your OP.

MadamDeathStare - aren't they talking about that with the new pension that is supposed to come in in the next few years. Would certainly stop the vast under claiming of benefits by needy older people.

agreed..my daughter has just a dual diagnosis of severe ASD and a chromosome deletion, she can do very little and need help every minute of day, and during night, but have still been told that we might get turned down for renewal and have to appeal. It isn't just handed out on a plate.

expat - my point isn't about people getting DLA. DLA is a great benefit. I still remember things such as an older friend living in an old people's home because none of her family would look after her and she didn't have the money to pay anyone to look after her.

I am NOT criticising DLA.

i COULD have understood the cuts being made......but then reading about how much money we give to India/Pakistan when they have a SPACE PROGRAMME!!!!! (and an aid programme of their own....where they give to others)

why does Cameron DO that???

agreeing with cuts to a charity providing transport for people with disabilities is pretty low IMO.

Why?If people are disabled enough to need help with transport they should get DLA. DLA should pay for it. By continuing to provide some transport through charity, the charity can make sure that those who should be getting DLA but are not can still be catered for.

yes, because DLA is a total fortune and can pay for endless things

I think spending 200 million on a referendum on AV when EMA has been abolished and needy families will no longer be able to get loans or grants to help buy items like cookers shows completely screwed up priorities.

From the Govt website:

"Whether you can get Disability Living Allowance and the amount you get is based on your current needs and circumstances. If your needs or circumstances change, your benefit may increase, decrease or stop.

Disability Living Allowance has two parts called 'components':

?a care component - if you need To get the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), your disability must be severe enough for you to either:

?need help with things such as washing, dressing, eating, getting to and using the toilet, or communicating your needs
?need supervision to avoid you putting yourself or others in substantial danger
?need someone with you when you are on dialysis
?be unable to prepare a cooked main meal for yourself (if you have the ingredients), if you are aged 16 or over
help looking after yourself or supervision to keep you safe
?a mobility component - if you can't walk or find it very hard to walk, or you need help getting around...|

DLA is for help with everyday tasks - including supervision or support, which is why many people with mental health difficulties get it. It is not just for being disabled.

I don't get DLA myself, but I have helped people successfully apply for it, so I do understand it.

millie- I agree that getting rid of grants/loans for things like cookers is awful.

OP do you think it's possible that some of the charities organising transport for disabled people provide more than simply a lift from a to b? They may well provide companionship and support that goes beyond what somebody could purchase with their DLA. It does seem an odd thing to support cutting.

Yes it is computermouse I am NOT disputing that.

I had a big bust up with someone the other week over DLA she thought because DS is in school that he shouldn't have DLA,he's only in school 6 hours what about the other 18 he's 16 but at the learning and emotional level of a 8-9 year old.The fuel to take him to school costs £90 a week alone the expenses I receive off the council doesn't cover it by a long shot.YABU.

My dcs DLA helps in part to replace the money I am unable to earn. It keeps the roof over their heads, it puts food in their bellies and pays for the many holidays/ trips out we have because they miss out in so many ways. If the dcs want to go anywhere without us (eg) to a party we have to pay somebody £8 per hour to do it. Quite sad really when you consider they're 9 and 12

Because of this dp is only able to work part time (to help me) we still have a mortgage to pay.

At the moment the dla is being saved up to pay for the thousands of pounds worth of damage my perfectly healhy son caused by repeatedly flooding the bathroom (he has autism and a water obsession) last year it was used to replace the bathroom floor and be made watertight. Is that ok op ?

millie - yes they may also provide that. But I don't see it as a priority for funding. Just as I think the Child Trust Fund is a great idea, but I don't see it as a priority for funding.

I think there are many things that could be cut before services for disabled and vulnerable people. It's also a false economy- I used to work in Mental Health and the majority of admissions to our unit came about following a period of isolation and lack of support. Cutting people's companionship and support network could end up costing more in the long run.