Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied

HC Deb 24 February 1978 vol 944 cc833-4W

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has been able to give any financial help to the organisation known as Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I am naturally pleased that I have been able to authorise an annual grant of £10,000 for three years as a contribution to the administrative expenses of the national headquarters of Physically Handicapped and

In my earlier letter, I mentioned the increase in the Mobility Allowance from £5 to £7-a-week from 16th November 1977. A further increase to £10-a-week was announced on 6th December. This further increase is payable from July. Mobility Allowance is now also to be index-linked. This means that, at its new and higher level, it will be protected against inflation and starting in November 1979 there will be an annual uprating. I felt that you should be personally informed of these changes, so that you have all the facts before you when deciding whether to continue receiving the Private Car Allowance or to transfer to the Special Mobility Allowance Scheme. The two schemes compare as follows:

Able-Bodied (PHAB). The first payment will be made in the current year. I hold PHAB in very high regard and am sure that, with the help given by my Department, the organisation will continue to develop and extend its important work.