A delegation of the blind and partially sighted is due to leave Maidstone to join a national campaign at the House Of Parliament.

The clients from the Kent Association for the Blind will lobby their MPs about the unfairness of a system that denies many blind and partially sighted people the benefits granted to wheelchair-users.

Sight centre manager Alison May said: “It is unbelievable that the Government can say that they understand the force of our argument and are sympathetic to our aims yet not be able to commit to making a change to the Disability Living Allowance system.

“At KAB Sight Centres across Kent we know that some blind people - who can’t drive and in many cases find it impossible to use public transport - are missing vital hospital appointments and job opportunities because the benefit they receive doesn’t cover the cost of taxis.

“On a day-to-day basis not being able to get out independently stops many blind people from doing basic things like getting their own shopping, meeting up with friends, joining local clubs. This has a massive impact on the quality of people’s lives.”

The delegation will join a protest organised by the Royal National Institute for the Blind on Wednesday, October 15.

At present, the Disability Living Allowance permits people with other disabilities who can drive to claim its higher mobility rate of £47.75 per week. People with serious sight loss are only eligible to claim the lower rate of just £17.75 per week.

Mrs May said: “We will be asking our MPs for their support for the many people in our constituencies across Kent who could benefit from this change. This situation is unfair and unacceptable.”