Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith has launched another government attack on disability living allowance (DLA), claiming that spending on the key disability benefit had “spiralled out of control”. Duncan Smith told MPs during the final day of the budget […]
Archives for 2010
Briefing throws incapacity benefit plans into confusion
The coalition’s welfare plans have been thrown into confusion after two government departments appeared to be delivering contrasting messages about the speed of its reforms. The chancellor, George Osborne, told reporters that he wanted to reduce spending on benefits such as […]
New Scottish law is step on road to better access to pubs
A new law which could improve access to pubs and clubs in Scotland has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. The law will force bars to provide details of their access when applying for new licences or major changes to their […]
New disabled MP criticised over views on inclusion
Westminster’s newest disabled MP has been criticised after attacking the “dogmatic” views of campaigners for inclusive education. The Conservative MP Paul Maynard – believed to be the first former special school pupil to become an MP – spent two years at […]
Stevie Wonder’s Glastonbury access plea
Soul legend Stevie Wonder has delivered a plea to “make the world more accessible”, at the end of his headlining appearance at the Glastonbury music festival. The singer-songwriter, who is blind, had performed some of his classic hits, including Higher Ground, […]
Disabled delegation set to pull out of Pride over access
The national LGBT disabled people’s organisation is set to pull out of London’s annual gay rights parade this weekend, because they say organisers have failed to make vital access arrangements. Regard produced a report after last year’s Pride London event, describing […]
London’s Dial-a-Ride still ‘plagued by problems’
London’s door-to-door transport service for disabled people continues to be “plagued” by “significant problems”, according to a new report. The London Assembly’s transport committee investigated the performance of Dial-a-Ride – London’s largest door-to-door service, provided free to its 50, 000 members […]
Healthcare battle for direct payments could be over at last
A woman who lost a legal battle for the right to use direct payments to manage her long-term condition has welcomed a new pilot project that should allow her to continue controlling how her healthcare is provided. Valerie Garnham was one […]
Government’s benefits bashing ‘could lead to hate crime’
Activists have warned that repeated government references to the need to slash the disability benefits bill could lead to a rise in disability hate crime. The government is making it increasingly clear that the more money it can save from its […]
Government pledges improvements to wheelchair services
The government has admitted there are “unacceptable” variations in the quality of wheelchair services across the country. Paul Burstow, the Liberal Democrat care services minister, said many disabled people experienced a “poor” service, with long waiting-times and “far too much off-the-shelf […]