§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security from what date applications can be lodged for the higher rate mobility component for children aged three and four years; and who is entitled to this benefit from 9 April. [149914]
§ Mr. BayleyI refer the right hon. Member to the written answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Helen Jackson) on 9 January 2001,Official Report, column 477W. From 9 April 2001, the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance will be extended to severely disabled three and four-year-old children who are unable, or virtually unable, to walk.
Claims can be made at any time on or after 9 January. Almost all the children most likely to benefit from this welcome change are already receiving DLA in respect of their care needs, and they will all be sent a letter by the end of February inviting them to apply for the higher rate mobility component.