Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Aldous and Maria Miller

Monday 18th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

13. Whether the mobility component of the personal independence payment will be available to people living in residential care.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Maria Miller)]

We are reviewing the existing evidence and gathering more to determine the extent to which there are overlaps in provision for the mobility needs of people in residential care homes. The work is continuing and we will make a final decision on the way forward when it is complete.

[Peter Aldous]

For the residents of Shaftesbury Court in Lowestoft in my constituency, the mobility component plays an important role in enabling them to lead active lives in the local community. Can the Minister confirm that the PIP will be sufficiently well designed and funded so that that can continue?

[Maria Miller]

I note my hon. Friend’s assiduous support for his constituents in Shaftesbury Court. He also raised this issue on Third Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill. I reassure him that we will consider the needs of people who are in receipt of DLA as we move forward with PIP, regardless of their place of residence. We are doing a great deal of work to ensure that there is sufficient support so that people get the mobility that they require.