The number of people claiming Disability Living Allowance in Caerphilly County Borough has risen in eight years from 15,850 to 18,540.
The figures have been revealed by the Department of Work and Pensions as it seeks to reform the benefit to cut costs. The Government department has begun a public consultation on the reforms labelling the current system “not fit for purpose”.
The planned reform include renaming the benefit, the introduction of an assessment process and simplifying the system with a reduced number of rates.
There would also be an extension to the qualifying criteria with the new benefit only available to those with a long-term health condition, expected to last a minimum of 12 months.
The Government wants to bring in the changes for 2013/14 and is currently conducting a public consultation.
Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller said: “I want to reassure the thousands of people in Caerphilly who receive DLA that their views will be reflected in any changes we make. We are consulting with disabled people and relevant groups to make sure this allowance goes to people who need it the most.
“There will be an objective assessment which we are developing with disability organisations and disabled people. The new system will also allow us to reassess those on DLA over time – something that is lacking under the current system – to ensure everyone receives the correct amount as their condition varies.
“The current deeply flawed and complicated system has resulted in spiralling costs over the years. In Caerphilly the number of people receiving DLA has soared in just eight years from 15,850 to 18,540. Nationally the numbers receiving DLA has jumped to nearly 3.2 million from about 2.5 million eight years ago. The expenditure this year is forecast at £12 billion – which is the equivalent of the Department for Transport’s entire budget.
“We are inviting disabled people and other interested parties to let us know their views. Your readers have until February 14 to let us know what they think about our proposals.”
How can I take part and feed in to the consultation?
For more information about the reforms visit the DWP website.
The consultation ends on February 14 2011. You can email the DWP with your views to consultation.dlareform@dwp.gsi.gov.uk or you can write to the DLA Reform Team, 1st Floor, Caxton House, Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9NA. Fax: 020 7449 5467