Writing in the Western Gazette this week, David Heath MP says: "Last July I wrote in my column about the various groups who had contacted me about a change in government policy on benefits which they thought would have a disproportionately adverse effect on them. I went to see a number of organisations representing people with disabilities, and we even had an outdoor event in Victoria Park in Frome where, particularly, younger disabled people told me that if what is called the mobility component of the disability living allowance were taken away it would severely restrict their ability to visit friends, try to get work experience, or just socialise. They asked me to try and do something about it on their behalf.

"The problem was that what appeared to be an entirely sensible proposal actually had quite serious consequences in practice. The theory was that if you lived in a residential home, then you didn’t need access to independent transport, because the contracts with the care home providers actually required them to ensure that transport was provided where necessary, and I think the picture in the minds of civil servants is that this would largely apply to those elderly people in care homes who rarely travelled in any case. Additionally, no such allowance had ever been paid to those in hospital or nursing care, so there was a clear anomaly. The difficulty is that the money also goes to very many young, active people who live in residential accommodation as a result of learning difficulties or physical disability, but who certainly didn’t want to spend each and every day confined to their rooms.

"I said that I would try and do something about it, and that is what I have been doing over recent months. One of the difficulties of being a Minister is that because of the rules of the House of Commons, there are things I’m not allowed to do.  I can’t ask questions in the house, sponsor or speak in debates, or sign motions, to draw attention to a problem. What I can do is work behind the scenes, talking to ministerial colleagues, writing letters and generally pushing something to the top of the pending tray. And this is an example of where doing exactly that has proved useful. I certainly don’t want to take all the credit, as I know many others, including important charity organisations like Leonard Cheshire Homes have been pushing hard, but I like to think that I may have helped.

"Anyway, the outcome has been success for my constituents. The plans were first put on hold, and then we had a report commissioned by Lord Low, who as Chairman of RNIB I have worked with closely over the years when I chaired the all-party group on visual health. Colin Low is himself blind, which adds to his understanding of the problems those with disabilities face. Following Lord Low’s report, which made it very clear that there would indeed be serious consequences for a significant number of people if the policy went ahead, my colleague the Minister for the Disabled Maria Miller has now announced that the mobility component will, indeed, be retained. And I am delighted."