New mobility component update for older people on Attendance Allowance

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Labour MP has urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to include the mobility element with Attendance Allowance to enable people over State Pension age to access the Motability Scheme.

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP also encouraged the Treasury to extend the vehicle tax discount and exemption scheme to people in receipt of Attendance Allowance.However, in separate responses from both departments, the suggestions were dismissed.

DWP Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms explained that Attendance Allowance does not have a mobility component for those over State Pension age because “older people will develop mobility issues as part of the ageing process”.In a written response on Thursday, Mr Timms added that there are “no current plans to include Attendance Allowance as an eligible benefit for the Scheme”.

This will come as a disappointment to 1.6million people across Great Britain on Attendance Allowance, including nearly 144,000 in Scotland.The DWP Minister said: “The Motability scheme is open to recipients of enhanced mobility Personal Independence Payment, higher rate mobility Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement and Armed Forces Independence Payment.“Attendance Allowance does not have a mobility component for those whose needs arise after State Pension age.