Mick Bates shows support for Royal British Legion (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Mick Bates shows support for Royal British Legion

January 16, 2009 12:00 AM

Mick Bates, AM for Montgomeryshire, expressed his support for the work of the Royal British Legion at an event at the National Assembly.

The meeting with the charity provided an opportunity for Assembly Members to discuss ideas and opportunities for improving welfare delivery in Wales.

The main topic discussed was the Disabled Facilities Grants - also currently under investigation by the Assembly's Equality of Opportunity Committee. The Legion is concerned that the waiting times for people in need of home adaptations are unnecessarily high and that provision across Wales is not consistent.

The Legion is aware that some people are being forced to wait up to five years simply to get an occupational therapist's report to approve much needed work - this is despite help with assessments being made available from the charity.

Commenting Mick stated:

"I was disturbed to hear of the huge delays disabled people are facing in getting help with adapting their homes.

"I shall be writing to my local authority to find out what the situation is for my constituents, particularly with respect to funding and delays in Occupational Therapy assessments."

Chris Simpkins, the Legion's Director General, said he was "hugely grateful" to Mick for his time and support on this issue.

"We are pleased that Mick shares our concerns about this and other welfare issues in Wales and I look forward to working with him on this."

Notes:

Photo: Peter Cleminson, National Chairman of The Royal British Legion and Mick Bates AM

• In Wales in 2008, 1305 people were given immediate needs assistance directly from the two RBL Welsh offices

• The total expenditure from both Welsh RBL offices on immediate needs was £1,494,292

• In 2008, a total of 373 clients were assisted through RBL funded staff at Citizens Advice Bureau in Caerphilly and Denbigh.

• Since its launch in March 2007 162 people have had work carried out in their homes by Poppy Calls handymen.

• 285 people in Wales have been helped to go on welfare breaks in 2008.

The Royal British Legion protects the interests, welfare and memory of British serving and ex-Service people and their dependants. Around 10.5 million people - of all ages - are eligible to approach the Legion for its Poppy Support. Our charitable work covers a range of services including grant-making to those in need, pensions and benefits advice, vocational assessment and careers advice, home and hospital visits as well as the provision of full nursing care.

End/Diwedd