Independent Living

EDM number 1673 in 1992-93, proposed by Alan Howarth on 24/03/1993.

That this House believes that independence, empowerment and choice should be at the heart of care in the community; regrets that proposals for the Independent Living (1993) Fund will not advance progress towards independent living and that the reduction in direct cash payments will mean a loss of independence and choice for disabled people; notes that the Association of Metropolitan Authorities, the Association of County Councils and the Association of Directors of Social Services believe that for many severely disabled people appropriate flexibility can only be achieved through the power to make direct payments, which are a more efficient and cost-effective way of delivering services; is concerned that the ú500 limit will force some severely disabled people into residential care, where charges may well be in excess of ú500 per week; and urges the Government to review its policy on these important and economic grounds.

This motion has been signed by a total of 170 MPs, 3 of these signatures have been withdrawn.