The government has announced a seven per cent increase in the annual payments it makes to local authorities in England to help fund adaptations to disabled people’s homes. The Communities and Local Government department said it would give £167.3 million to […]
Archives for 2010
EU funds ‘being used to build segregated institutions’
European Union funds are being used to build large new residential institutions for disabled people across eastern and central Europe, according to a new report. The European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL) said structural funds – money earmarked for development – […]
Work test plans ‘could blight lives of hundreds of thousands’
Government plans to start using its controversial work capability assessment (WCA) to test all those still receiving incapacity benefit (IB) could “blight” the lives of hundreds of thousands of disabled people, say critics. Work and pensions secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that […]
National Care Service white paper: campaigners raise concerns
Two leading disabled campaigners have welcomed the government’s plans for a National Care Service, but have raised serious concerns about some of the proposals in the white paper. Baroness [Jane] Campbell said she was “quietly satisfied” with the basic structure laid […]
National Care Service white paper: mixed reaction from charities
Disability charities have welcomed the principles laid out in the government’s new care and support white paper, but have criticised the lack of detail in key areas. The disability network RADAR said it had long campaigned for care to be free […]
National Care Service white paper: government criticised on funding
The government has delayed a decision on how to fund its social care reforms, causing widespread criticism and disappointment. Instead of laying out its own plans, the government will set up a commission to examine the various options and offer recommendations […]
National Care Service white paper: government unveils plans
The government has laid out plans for a “National Care Service” (NCS), based on the principle of free personal care for everyone who needs it. Although many of the proposals in its Building the National Care Service white paper drew praise, […]
Disabled peers raise concerns over personal care bill
Disabled peers have raised serious concerns about the government’s personal care at home bill, during a Lords debate. Two of them – Baroness [Rosalie] Wilkins and Lord [Colin] Low – voted for a motion to delay the next stage of the […]
Supermarkets pledge to do more on parking time limits
The big four supermarket chains have all promised to do more to ensure disabled shoppers do not face discrimination over strict parking time limits. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons all pledged to act after a survey for BBC Breakfast suggested that […]
Tories will ‘turn back clock’ on inclusion in schools
The Conservative Party’s new draft policies on special schools and inclusion would “set the clock back by more than 30 years”, say appalled campaigners. They spoke out after the Conservatives published their draft education policy, three months before the likely date […]