Health Secretary clarifies Government position on disability benefits

The Secretary of State for Health has made it clear that Disability
Living Allowance for the Under 65s will not be affected by Government
plans to create a National Care Service.

Speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in
Harrogate, Andy Burnham MP said: "I am encouraged by the response to
our Big Care Debate and welcome the fact that other political parties
are beginning to put their ideas on the table. There are big
differences between what we are saying but we are beginning to create
what I wanted to see - unstoppable momentum for legislation in the next
Parliament.

"But, while the debate is moving quickly, I do want to stress that the
door is wide open for discussion. We are still in a consultation
period. No decisions have been made on funding options. We are still
listening – about funding, about structures, and about how to build a
forward-looking system of care.

"One avenue I do want to close down, however, is the debate and
controversy over Disability Living Allowance.

"We recognise that this is an important benefit for disabled people,
and I can state categorically that we have now ruled out any suggestion
that DLA for under-65s will be brought into the new National Care
Service.

"This is because, whilst there will be increases in the numbers of
disabled people of working age who need care, the majority of the
people needing care in the future will be older people.

"However, we do think there may be a case for bringing together
elements of some disability benefits, such as Attendance Allowance,
with social care funding, to create a new care and support system to
provide for the needs of older and disabled people.

"But the important principle is that people receiving any of the
relevant benefits at the time of reform would continue to receive an
equivalent level of support and protection under a new and better care
and support system.

"And let's not forget, everyone - regardless of wealth or asset base –
will benefit from the protection and piece of mind that the National
Care Service will provide."

The Government is currently carrying out a consultation – the Big Care
Debate - on the new National Care Service, a vision for which was set
out in July’s Green Paper Shaping the Future of Care Together. The Big
Care Debate continues until 13th November.
 

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