MP Backs Wrexham Carers Over Funding Withdrawal Proposals

Wrexham carers have been given the backing of their local MP in a campaign to save an important fund for people with disabilities.

Carers from across the area were out in force yesterday to defend financial support for some of Wrexham’s most vulnerable people at a Department for Work and Pensions consultation meeting on the proposed abolition of the Independent Living Fund.

The fund, which provides assistance for care for disabled people, is set to be scrapped by the UK government in 2015 under current plans.

Despite a consultation event being set up in the town, many carers in Wrexham and MP Ian Lucas said they were not informed that it was taking place.

Mr Lucas, who only attended the meeting after hearing about it from a constituent, said: “I have been in contact with the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, recently on this very issue and I was appalled to learn her department had set up this event in my constituency without telling me.

“More importantly, to find out that a number of carers in the Wrexham area were not informed it was taking place either.

“However, a number did turn up to the event to express their concerns. It was clear from the views expressed at the event that there was total opposition to the proposal to scrap the Independent Living Fund. There was also concern expressed that there would be a real transfer of funding to either the Welsh Government or local councils for any proposed replacement.

“I will continue to campaign with Wrexham carers against these proposals, which are being forced upon some of the most vulnerable people in the constituency.

“After ignoring the views of disabled people over the closure of Remploy, we should be concerned over the level of consultation the government is undertaking here.”