We are very concerned about the government’s plans to replace DLA (Disability Living Allowance) with PIP (Personal Independence Payment).  The exact details of how this will work are still being worked out.

Consultations are taking place until the 30th April and we urgently need people to make their concerns known to their MP.

It is clear that the government is determined to save money and that many people with disabilities will either lose their benefit or have it reduced significantly. We are particularly concerned that:

• People who are blind and now receive the high rate component for mobility may lose this benefit which we only won recently;
• People on the low rate of mobility component of DLA may lose this altogether;
• People on the middle or higher rate of the care component of DLA may have their benefit significantly reduced;
• People on the low rate care component of DLA may lose this altogether.

Please do take action on this issue before it is too late.  You can contact your MP directly – if you have time then please ask to meet with them, otherwise you can write to them.  You can do this via the RNIB website or we can supply you with a template letter which would have your details completed and addressed to your MP.  Please telephone us on 0114 272 2757

SRSB are also liaising with RNIB Campaigns Team to see what other action we can take to highlight this issue as we are concerned that otherwise PIP will be implemented without proper consideration having been given to the impact upon blind and partially sighted people.

SRSB has already written to every Sheffield MP expressing our concerns but the words of individual constituents often have more of an impact so please do support this campaign for the sake of all visually impaired people.