Press Release

6 September 2005

Paice Fights For Elderly Constituents

Jim Paice, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, is calling for an end to age discrimination in disability benefits after an elderly constituent was refused help with her mobility needs because she became disabled over the age of 65. 

Jim was contacted after Cottenham resident Mrs Jean Colquhoun was told she was ineligible for the Motability Scheme, which helps disabled people to lease or purchase a car, powered wheelchair or scooter, because she was 80 when she lost her mobility and was therefore ineligible for Disability Living Allowance.

Jim took the matter up with the Department for Work and Pensions but is deeply unhappy with the Minister’s response.

“The Government has repeatedly failed to justify this policy which is denying my constituent and many people like her greater freedom and independence in later life. Restricting help with mobility costs to those whose disability arose before the age of 65 ignores the very real needs of those who lose their mobility after that age. Contrary to what the Government may think these people still want to stay active and enjoy life, but this policy seriously impinges their ability to do that. 

“It is completely wrong for disabled people to be denied the support they need to remain active purely on the basis of their age. For the Government to practice such blatant age discrimination is unacceptable and I will continue pressing for the rules to be changed so that Disability Living Allowance is extended to all those who need it, regardless of their age.”