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The ConDem government in London proposed the scrapping of the mobility component Disability Living Allowance claimed by those in residential care. The Tories and the LibDems argued that those living in residential care should not have this benefit as they did not need to be 'mobile'. The opposition (Labour) did nothing so Plaid laid an Early Day Motion in Westminster which gained support from SNP and concerned Labour back-benchers from England.

Plaid hosted a parliamentary debate in Westminster to examine the case and managed to persuade a majority of MPs in the House of Commons that it would be unfair to scrap the scrapping of the mobility component Disability Living Allowance claimed by those in residential care.

Victory !!

http://tinyurl.com/clmp63n

"This is without doubt a victory for all campaigners on this issue who showed the unfairness and negative effects that these changes would have.The very purpose of DLA is to assist those who incur addition expenses as a result of a disability. This could be paying to taxis to hospital appointments, to go shopping, or even just to go out and take part in community life. It helps some of the most vulnerable in our society to live independent lives.

“Removing this benefit may have resulted in people being stuck in their residential care homes unable to go out."

“I had been contacted by scores of constituents and their families who were concerned by the proposal to remove mobility entitlement. Given the number of constituents who had contacted me and fellow Plaid Cymru MPs, my party hosted a debate in Westminster to make the case against the proposals. I’m thrilled the UK Government has listened to our arguments and that common sense has prevailed. This U-turn shows that the people of Carmarthenshire cannot be taken for granted and Plaid Cymru will always stand up for our communities."

- Jonathan Edwards,
Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr.