A CHARITY is urging people in South Tyneside to back a campaign for better benefits for blind and partially-sighted people.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind is leading a campaign to allow people with severe sight loss to claim the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
It has been backed by Sue Taylor, chief executive of Sight Servic
e Gateshead and South Tyneside.
The non-means-tested benefit allows people with physical disabilities, but who can see to drive, to claim its higher mobility rate, worth £46.75 per week.
People with serious sight loss are only eligible to claim the lower rate of just £17.75 per week.
Ms Taylor said: "The Government is now in the process of making its decision about whether or not to make these changes.
"The changes can be made and there is strong support from Department for Work and Pensions ministers, but as we all know, the Government is under significant financial pressures.
"While they make their decision, we need to ensure they are reminded just how strongly people in this area feel about this issue.
"We cannot allow them to delay making a decision. We must go on fighting until they right this injustice."
Ms Taylor said blind people who cannot drive and find it impossible to use public transport are missing out on job opportunities, ordinary daily living and having a social life, because the benefit they receive doesn't cover the cost of taxis.
She urged people who would like more information about the campaign to contact her on 478 5958 or e-mail contactus@sightservice.co.uk.
