§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances blind people are(a) required to pay for white canes and (b) exempt from having to pay for white canes.
§ Mr. FreemanSection 2 of the chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 places a statutory responsibility on local authorities to provide equipment to all disabled people, including those with a visual impairment. A number of voluntary organisations have also, traditionally provided equipment to visually impaired people. Both voluntary organisations and local authority social services departments have discretion over whether to charge for equipment, including white canes.
There is a wide range of canes available at various prices up to a maximum of £21. However, many local authorities provide a symbol white cane free of charge. Concessionary rates are also available for those individuals who obtain their canes directly from voluntary organisations.