MP Visit to Barclay House

Norman Baker MP visited SeeAbility’s Barclay House in Seaford last Friday (February 18th) to meet residents and hear about the issues which affect them. Mr Baker was responding to a letter from SeeAbility CEO, David Scott-Ralphs, highlighting the impending removal of the mobility component of disability living allowance for those in residential care homes which would severely affect people with disabilities making it much more difficult for them to access their local community .

SeeAbility is the UK’s leading charity working with people with sight loss and multiple disabilities. Barclay House is a rehabilitative residential home which provides specialist support to nine people with a visual impairment and other disabilities so that they are able to maximise their independence.

Mr Baker is currently trying to address some of the factors which cause added difficulties to people with disabilities – street clutter, confused signage and public transport information – in the local area.

During his visit, Mr Baker was able to speak to a number of the residents at Barclay House and their concerns about the possible changes to disability allowance.

Emily Stewart explained that a significant part of her income and independence would be taken away if the mobility component of disability allowance were removed and Greg Cooper raised concerns about the possibility of local bus services being cut as a result of local spending cuts.

Mr Baker commented, “It was useful and interesting to meet some of the residents at SeeAbility’s Barclay House, and I was keen to hear directly from people with disabilities to understand their concerns. It was a very informative visit and I will do my best to take their concerns forward. ”