Alexander welcomes Lords support for Independent Living

8.40.42pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 25th Apr 2007

Danny Alexander MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Social Exclusion and Disability Spokesperson, today welcomed the completion of the Lords Stages of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill. Introduced by Lord Ashley of Stoke, the Private Member's Bill is aimed at tackling the growing gap in social care, and ensuring greater choice and support for disabled people and their carers.

The passing of the Bill coincides with the publication of new Government research which finds compelling evidence that significant savings can be made to public finances by providing support to disabled people that maintains their independence. The Office of Disability Issues report, 'The Costs and Benefits of Independent Living', found that cost savings in the order of £5 billion could accrue in the form of increased tax revenues and reduced benefits payments from investing in independent living support.

Mr Alexander said -

"With the Independent Living Bill having passed its Lords Stages, and new evidence which proves the financial benefits of independent living strategies, there is no excuse for the Government not to investigate methods of promoting independent living, for example by increasing its commitment to Centres for Independent Living, formalising entitlement to rehabilitation leave and encouraging the increased use of Access to Work among employers. Independent living types of support are not only more cost effective, but are much more successful at boosting participation in society, health levels and self esteem than conventional forms of support. The Government admits that services for disabled and older people are their huge social policy failing, and I would like to see the next Prime Minister firmly grasp the opportunities of independent living ideas to make some long overdue and desperately needed changes'.