Cornwall Blind Asso­cia­tion campaigners are delighted that Government ministers have agreed to raise Disability Living allowances for blind

people.

After months of campaigning, and writing to local MPs, Cornwall Blind Association fully support the amendment which will see changes to an old benefits system that excluded blind people from being able to claim the higher mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.

Martin Pallett, Chief Executive, said: "Blind people were being cheated by not being allowed to claim the same level of benefit as wheelchair users. Blind people, who can't drive and in many cases find it impossible to use public transport, were missing vital medical appointments and job opportunities because the benefits they receive don't cover the costs. The lower rate is £17.75 and this does not cover taxis rates — the extra £29 per week will make such a difference.

"When someone loses their sight one of the first independent skills to go is the ability to drive and this restricts their mobility. Those with severe sight loss are reliant on others to

provide them with transport, or taxis, and this is often expensive. Many find it impossible to use public transport without assistance. Busy roads and

pavements present constant hazards as they walk around outside in their communities.

"The cost of change

is miniscule when

set against the total social security budget and

access to the higher rate will have a huge positive impact on the

quality of life for the

visually impaired."

With higher rates of mobility benefits, the

vis­ually impaired people in Cornwall will be able to do more of the day to day things that sighted people take for granted.

A delegation of campaigners from Cornwall, with severe sight impairment, travelled to Parlia­ment in October to meet with local MPs. They believe they have a right to claim the same level of mobility benefit as wheelchair users and

wanted to put pressure on Government for this change. This news has been a real boost.

Joanna Thomas, Commun­ications Manager at Cornwall Blind Association said: "With the higher rate our clients will not miss vital appointments such as job interviews, doc­tor and dentist appointments and will be able to pay for travel to and from work or

education.

"Those living in Cornwall find it especially difficult as they have to rely on guides, or taxis, for safe door to door

travel as the lack of

pavements and re­g­ul­ar buses, in many areas, make independent travel impossible.We are thrilled with this news it has meant the long hard struggle, over many years, has paid off. It really is a good news story for the 4,000 registered blind in Cornwall."