SCOTTISH PENSIONERS’ BENEFITS THREATENED BY REFORMS TO THE CARE SYSTEM IN ENGLAND

SCOTTISH PENSIONERS’ BENEFITS THREATENED BY REFORMS TO THE CARE SYSTEM IN ENGLAND

The SNP has today (Friday) launched a campaign to secure the future of Attendance Allowance, a benefit worth up to £70.35 per week to 145,000 people in Scotland, in light of the UK Government plans to scrap Attendance Allowance as part of proposals to pay for the future care of the elderly in England.

The proposals to cut Attendance Allowance were mooted in the UK Government paper: ‘Shaping the future of care together.’ One of the suggestions in the consultation paper is scrapping disability benefits like Attendance Allowance and putting the money directly into care services. The UK Government accepts that this English proposal would impact on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson John Mason MP said:

“There are 145,000 people in Scotland on Attendance Allowance, and it is outrageous that Labour is planning to abolish an allowance on which some of the most vulnerable people rely.

“Downing Street is essentially planning to cut this benefit to fund free personal care in England – when the Scottish Government already provide this in Scotland.

"The SNP will oppose this and I’m launching a campaign to make those affected aware of Labour's plans."

Also commenting on the proposals was Bill Kidd MSP who has already taken the campaign to the streets of Glasgow. He said:

“I find it outrageous that a Labour Government is even thinking about scrapping Attendance Allowance.

“Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit paid as of right, without strings, to some of the most vulnerable in society. Elderly people depend on Attendance Allowance to pay for the extra costs of disability, and to simply make ends meet.

“As Disability Reporter to the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunity Committee, I am particularly concerned at an attack on disability benefits. This benefit helps disabled elderly people maintain a basic level of decency and dignity.

“It is entirely likely that Disability Living Allowance for the over 65s would also be affected; and the move would also call into question the future of Carer’s Allowance paid to the many selfless carers who look after the disabled elderly.”