The government has begun a consultation on abolishing attendance allowance (AA) for new claims in order to pads the responsibility on to local councils.{jcomments on}
Back in January we warned readers that the Conservatives had quietly released an announcement over Christmas about a future consultation, saying:
“The Government will also consider giving more responsibility to councils in England, and to Wales, to support older people with care needs – including people who, under the current system, would be supported through Attendance Allowance. This will protect existing claimants, so there will be no cash losers, and new responsibilities will be matched by the transfer of equivalent spending power. The Government is planning to consult in the New Year on this proposal, including on the right model of devolution and the level of flexibility that councils would need in order to effectively deliver this additional responsibility.”
The consultation proper began on 5 July and runs until 26 September 2016.
It is an open consultation, so anyone who wishes can respond.
One concern for may claimants is that once the principle of AA being abolished is established, how long will it be before awards of personal independence payment also end at 65?
