Submitted on
Tuesday 14 June 2011
by
Jackie Newing
Tomorrow, MPs have the chance to vote to save mobility payments for disabled people living in residential care. We need as many MPs as possible to vote in support of amendments 41 and 42 to the Welfare Reform Bill.
If the amendments are passed, the Government would no longer have the power to remove Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mobility component just because someone lives in residential care.
The mobility component enables thousands of disabled people to go to the shops, visit family or socialise with friends. Without it people will become trapped in their own homes.
Thank you to all of you who have already written to your MP asking them to support these amendments. However, it is important we keep the pressure up for Wednesday's vote and we need as many of you as possible to call your MP's office to ask how they plan on voting.
Take action
1) Find out who your MP is at findyourmp.parliament.uk
2) Dial 020 7219 3000 for the Parliament switchboard and give your MP's name. You will be put through to their office.
3) You will probably not get to speak to your MP in person but will be able to give a message to a member of their staff or leave a message on their answer phone. Below is a script you might want to use:
"Hello, my name is [your name] and I live in [town where you live]. I am calling to find out if [MP name] plans on voting [this Wednesday/later today] in favour of amendments 41 and 42 to the Welfare Reform Bill which would save mobility payments for people living in residential care."
Their office will probably not know the answer but you can ask them to call you back and let them know how your MP plans on voting or you can ask them to call you back after the vote to let you know how they voted. Don't forget to leave your name and phone number.
If your MP needs further information about the mobility component you can send them a briefing we have produced.
Thank you for everything you have done so far to save mobility payments for people living in residential care. With your support we can send a clear message to the Government this Wednesday that disabled people are not prepared to accept this cut to their independence.
Best wishes,
Hannah & the Campaigns Team, Leonard Cheshire Disability
Contact the Policy & Campaigns Team on 020 3242 0410 or email campaigning@LCDisability.org or visit www.LCDisability.org/campaigns