Part of 2. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:12 pm on 19 September 2017.
Clearly, that’s a matter the cross-party group on disability has also been taking evidence on. I think 80 per cent of appeals by people with sensory loss are successful, indicating the problem that stands before us. So, we do share your concern on this matter. But at a meeting of the cross-party group on disability in north Wales in June, and similarly in a meeting of the cross-party autism group in north Wales in September, concerns were raised with us by representatives of local disabled people and local disabled people themselves about the Welsh Government’s proposals for the Welsh independent living grant. As you know, since it was transferred to the Welsh Government from the UK Government, you had a temporary scheme with local authorities. You announced that with effect from 2018–19 responsibility and funding will be transferred to local authorities. Disabled people are concerned that that will remove their ability to live independently and support their high level of care and support needs. What assurance can you give to them, therefore, that safeguards will be in place to ensure that the funding goes where it’s intended, that assessments will still be done on a person-centred basis with the recipients of the grant, and that disabled people themselves will be the lead voice with authorities in establishing their needs?