Shot Pc battles ‘unfair’ benefit

Pc David RathbandPc David Rathband said after the shooting that he hoped to return to work

The police officer blinded by Raoul Moat has described the level of mobility payment he has been awarded as “unfair”.

Pc David Rathband was shot in the face and chest by the gunman on 4 July.

He revealed on Twitter that it was “somehow not fair” that he had been awarded the lowest band, £18.95 a week.

The Northumbria Police officer is understood to be getting a higher band for the care component of his Disability Living Allowance.

Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free benefit for disabled children and adults who need someone to help look after them, or who have walking difficulties.

It has two components, care and mobility, and is available whether or not the recipient is working.

Pc Rathband wrote on Twitter: “Now ready for battle with the DHSS.

“Been awarded lowest band for mobility. Somehow not fair.”

A spokesman for the department for Work and Pensions said: “We are indebted to Pc Rathband for his bravery and we want to ensure he receives all the benefits he is entitled to.

“For those who require frequent care and supervision, the highest rate of the care component of disability living allowance is awarded to meet their care needs.”

After the shooting, Pc Rathband said that he “bore no malice” towards Moat, who later shot himself in Rothbury, Northumberland, following a week-long manhunt.

He also said he that he was determined to return to duty as a police officer.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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