A national eligibility threshold for care and support will be introduced across England from 2015, ministers have announced. The measure was one of a series of proposals outlined in this week’s care and support white paper, and will mean cash-strapped local […]
News Archive
Care and support white paper: ‘Free care’ pledge for younger disabled people
Many working-age disabled people will receive free care and support for life – whatever their levels of wealth or income – when the funding of care and support is finally reformed, the government has promised. The Department of Health (DH) confirmed […]
New political fund ‘could create legacy of disabled MPs’
Disabled people who want to overcome the barriers they face in seeking elected office will now be able to apply for financial support from a new £2.6 million government fund. The fund, open for applications until the end of March 2014, […]
Government holds out hope for just nine Remploy factories
Just nine of the 36 sheltered Remploy factories that were set to be shut in the first wave of a government closure programme could be kept open under new ownership, a minister has announced. Maria Miller, the Conservative minister for disabled […]
Universal credit ‘spells bleak future for many’
The government’s radical “simplification” of the benefits system is likely to make the future “considerably bleaker” for many disabled people, according to the peer leading a new inquiry. The disabled crossbench peer Baroness [Tanni] Grey-Thompson is working with Disability Rights UK, […]
Blue badge scheme ‘will keep focus on physical mobility’
The government looks set to maintain the current focus of the blue badge parking scheme in England on disabled people with significant physical mobility problems. The Department for Transport (DfT) proposals are contained in a new consultation on how eligibility for […]
Emotional tributes paid to Nick Danagher, ‘independent living revolutionary’
Disabled activists have paid a series of emotional tributes to Nick Danagher, a central and much-loved figure in the disability movement and an “independent living revolutionary”, who died suddenly on Friday (6 July). Among his roles, Danagher was a trustee of […]
Cunningham’s Unlimited talent set to light up festival
An award-winning performer whose work is set to be one of the highlights of the London 2012 disability arts festival is hoping this summer’s artistic and athletic celebrations will demonstrate the “normality” of being a disabled person. Claire Cunningham is one […]
Paralympians have taught me that ‘disabled’ is not a scary word, says sprinter Clegg
One of Britain’s hottest prospects for Paralympic gold on the athletics track has spoken of her hopes that London 2012 will lead to more opportunities for disabled people outside the sporting arena. Libby Clegg is hoping to repeat her success in […]
Shadow minister calls for Leveson to think again on media hostility
Labour’s shadow minister for disabled people has called on Lord Leveson to rethink his decision to prevent disabled people giving oral evidence to his inquiry into press standards. Disabled campaigners want to give evidence about national newspapers that have stirred up […]