Green Party warns proposals for over 65's disability allowance could result in ageism and a postcode lottery for care

27 September 2016

* Jonathan Bartley: ‘These proposals are unwanted, unnecessary and undesirable’

* Mags Lewis: ‘Disabled people feel scared and threatened by an arrogant, self-serving, and uncaring Government’

The Green Party has warned that proposed changes to an allowance for disabled or unwell older people could create a postcode lottery in support and take away independence.

A Government consultation on Attendance Allowance has proposed to devolve responsibility to councils.

But in a response submitted to the consultation the Green Party said the suggestions are not wanted by older people, carers or local authorities.

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader, said:

"These proposals are unwanted, unnecessary and undesirable. It seems highly likely that if the Government presses ahead it will leave thousands of older people more insecure and less in control of their lives. The Government should abandon these proposals immediately.”

People under 65, who receive Personal Independence Payments, are considered capable of using the money appropriately. The Government's proposals imply people over 65 who receive Attendance Allowance are not capable, which amounts to institutionalised ageism.

Mags Lewis, Disability spokesperson for the Green Party, said:

"Attendance Allowance is a lifeline for many disabled people and their families. Any threat to it represents a further attack on the disabled community, which has already suffered so much through the cutting of other lifelines such as the Independent Living Fund. Disabled people feel scared and threatened by an arrogant, self-serving, and uncaring Government."

Notes:

The response states that:

• Attendance Allowance payments are currently spread quite evenly across geographical areas. Charities including Parkinsons UK [1] and RNIB [2] have said that by devolving the funds to Local Authorities different eligibility criteria and assessments could create a ‘postcode lottery’ of support.
• Local Authorities have no appetite for taking on the responsibility. Nick Forbes, senior vice chair of the Local Government Association, said: "Councils do not want responsibility for administering the Attendance Allowance benefit for older people. Responsibility for administering it would create significant cost pressures for councils.” [3]
• The Strategic Society Centre found that “despite not being means-tested, the Attendance Allowance seems remarkably well targeted, with most going to people on low incomes”. It added: “Social survey data shows that Attendance Allowance recipients are poorer than the average older person, with financial wealth of around £8,390, and private pension income of £28.50 per week”. [4]
• As a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions directly to claimants, Attendance Allowance gives older disabled people the freedom to use the payment in the way that best suits their needs, in the same way as the Personal Independence Payment for people under 65.
• Giving control to local authorities could mean people affected lose autonomy to manage their own support needs. It would also send the message that people under 65, who receive Personal Independence Payments, are considered capable of using the money appropriately, but people over 65 who receive Attendance Allowance are not. This would amount to institutionalised ageism.

1. http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/13-july-2016/we-stood-your-benefits-today  

2. http://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigning-current-campaigns-employment-and-welfare/attendance-allowance

3. http://www.local.gov.uk/media-releases/-/journal_content/56/10180/7885378/NEWS   

4. http://strategicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Attendance-Allowance-and-Local-Government-Examining-the-evidence-and-the-options.pdf