Government's response to the consultation on Disability Living Allowance reform

Book excerpt: On 6 December 2010, the Government published Disability Living Allowance reform (Cm 7984, ISBN 9780101798426) which set out its reform proposals and sought people's views. This document outlines the responses received, from both individuals and organisations, and provides further information regarding the replacement of DLA and the introduction of Personal Independence Payment for people of working age (16-64) from 2013/14. The Government will ensure that the new Personal Independence Payment remains a non-mean-tested and non-taxable cash benefit which people can spend in a way that best suits them. The aim, through the introduction of Personal Independence Payment, is to make the benefit fairer, more straightforward to administer, and for it to be easier and clearer to understand. There will be two components of Personal Independence Payment; a daily living component and a mobility component, each with a standard and enhanced rate. The Government is developing the assessment for Personal Independence Payment in collaboration with a group of independent specialists and will consider an individual's ability to carry out key everyday activities. The greatest priority in awarding the benefit will be that it goes to those individuals who are least able to carry them out. The application and administration process will be made as straightforward as possible. The Personal Independence Payment will not be extended to new or existing claims for children from 2013/14. And the proposal to withdraw the DLA mobility component from people in residential care will not now be implemented.