Latest news : Changing benefits

The National Union of Students (NUS) today said changes to the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) could force many students in residential care to give up their studies and prevent thousands more from entering education.

The mobility component of the DLA currently allows thousands of disabled people living in residential care the independence to get to places of education when distance or timetabling issues might otherwise prevent it. However, under plans in the Comprehensive Spending Review, this component will be abolished. The option will exist for local authorities to provide the service but they face huge cuts as well and are unlikely to find the funds.

Commenting on the move, Rupy Kaur, NUS Disabled Students’ Officer, said, 'The Government says that disabled people should work when they can but this move will mean that thousands of people who want to improve their chances of finding meaningful work will be prevented from doing so.'

'Vulnerable members of society will be hit particularly hard by many of the cuts George Osborne announced recently and this shows a reckless disregard for the support than many disabled people need in order to be able to access the same opportunities afforded to others'

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