Social security minister Hugh Bayley said that from April the age of entitlement for the 38.65 per week higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance will be dropped from five years of age to three years. This should provide an extra 15m each year to help around 6,000 children in the UKwho cannot walk or who have severely limited walking ability.
Mr Bayley said, 'Almost all of the under-fives who are likely to be immediately eligible for the extra money are receiving the care component of Disability Living Allowance from this department. We are writing to their families to encourage them to apply for the new 38.65 weekly entitlement.'
He added that the money would enable some families to become more mobile by buying a car on favourable terms from the Motability scheme. Mr Bayley said, 'Access to reliable transportation can be a real lifeline for severely disabled children in all those important early years, giving them easier access to education and social activities and will vastly improve their quality of life and that of their carers.
'We are helping those youngsters who by age three cannot walk because of their severe disability, or have very limited walking ability. This change will help to reduce the disadvantage or lack of opportunity that many severely disabled children face.'
The Government's decision was welcomed by the Council for Disabled Children. Its principal officer, Christine Lenehan, said, 'We are noticing that children's disabilities are changing and we are seeing more babies with very complex and high levels of need than ever before. Any extra help for them and their carers in the crucial early years is needed.'