PRESS RELEASE

COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

20 October 2008

SD 04/08/09

COMMITTEE CRITICAL OF ADMINISTRATION OF DLA

The Committee for Social Development has criticised the Department for Social Development’s administration of Disability Living Allowance.

Committee Chairperson, Mr. David Simpson, MLA said, “The current administration of Disabilty Living Allowance is flawed and does not always benefit those people most in need. The Self Assessment Claim form which was originally heralded as a new and improved application method is complicated, repetitive and often dissuades applicants.”

Mr. Simpson continued, “DLA is not just about facts, figures and statistics. It is about real people who are often the most vulnerable in our society. It is incumbent upon those of us in government to ensure that systems are in place that support rather than alienate those in need.”

In their report investigating the administration of Disability Living Allowance, the Committee found a number of flaws in the administration of DLA and questioned whether an equitable and robust service was delivered across Northern Ireland.

The report being debated in the Assembly today cites several inconsistencies in the allocation of DLA and underlines the complexities involved in completing the initial claim form.

The report further assesses the viability of medical evidence citing that many GPs have voiced concern regarding their ability to fully illustrate how a patients’ symptoms and condition impacts on their everyday care and mobility needs.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

An Executive Summary giving fuller details of the Committee’s findings is attached.

Committee Information:

Committee Membership: Mr David Simpson MP (DUP) (Chairperson); Mr David Hilditch (DUP) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Billy Armstrong (UUP); Mr Mickey Brady (SF); Mr Thomas Burns (SDLP); Mr Jonathan Craig (DUP); Ms Anna Lo (ALL); Mr Alban Maginness (SDLP); Mr Fra McCann (SF); Ms Caral Ni Chuilin (SF); Miss Michelle McIlveen (DUP).

Media enquiries to:
Debra Savage,
Information Office, Parliament Buildings, Belfast. BT4 3XX
Tel. 028 90521405 Mobile 07920 864221
Email: debra.savage@niassembly.gov.uk Website archive.niassembly.gov.uk