§ 56. Mr. Snapeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why she decided not to implement the recommendations of Lady Sharp's Report on Mobility for the Disabled; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMainly because Lady Sharp recommended limiting the vehicle scheme to people who need a vehicle to go to work or to support themselves or their families. This would have disentitled over 13,000 people whose claim rests only on their virtual inability to walk. The Government's proposed new mobility allowance scheme will cost an extra £15 million a year, compared with £3 million for Lady Sharp's proposals, and will benefit many more people, including disabled people who can neither drive nor nominate a driver.