Action on Hearing Loss – formerly RNID – is welcoming the Government’s commitment last night (Tuesday 17 January 2012) to a phased introduction of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and agreement to involve people who are affected by the reforms, including claimants with hearing loss, in developing PIP assessments.
Managing Director of External Engagement at Action on Hearing Loss, Sherine Krause, says: “Although we are disappointed about the defeat of a crucial amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill, which would have paused the implementation of PIP for trialling to take place, we are pleased that the Government has committed to a phased introduction of PIP and will involve claimants who are deaf or hard of hearing in the development of assessments.
“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure that PIP fully meets the individual needs of people with hearing loss and ensure claimants who are deaf or hard of hearing are provided with appropriate support to live full and active lives.”
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants who are profoundly deaf currently qualify for middle rate care and lower-rate mobility but, under the announced PIP thresholds, they would not qualify for the mobility component and only the standard rate of the daily living component.
Contact for general media enquiries:
Senior PR Officer for Action on Hearing Loss, Alan Dalziel, telephone: 020 7296 8388, mobile: 07944 038635 or email: alan.dalziel@hearingloss.org.uk
Notes for editors:
- Action on Hearing Loss is the charity working for a world where hearing loss doesn't limit or label people, where tinnitus is silenced – and where people value and look after their hearing.
- For further information about Action on Hearing Loss or to become a member, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk, contact the Action on Hearing Loss Information Line on 0808 808 0123 (freephone) or 0808 808 9000 (textphone) or email: informationline@hearingloss.org.uk.