Dyslexia: Disabled Students’ Allowance

Debate between Lord Agnew of Oulton and Lord Hughes of Woodside

Monday 13th November 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

My Lords, once an assessment has been carried out, and there are 180 assessment centres in the country, they will produce a package that is relevant for the individual sufferer of the condition. There are four bands of assistance graded by the assessor when they meet the person needing the help.

[Lord Hughes of Woodside (Lab)]

My Lords, the Question is not about the different bands of assessment, but about why an assessment will cost some applicants money—they have to pay for the assessment—while others do not pay. A simple GP’s letter should be enough, as my noble friend suggests. Why does the Minister not answer that question?

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

My Lords, the decision, as I mentioned, was to split special educational needs away from specific learning difficulties.