Disabled activists are set to take part in a series of countrywide protests targeting the company that carries out the controversial assessments of eligibility for out-of-work disability benefits. Protesters will target offices belonging to Atos Healthcare, the much-criticised company that tests […]
News Archive
Councils ‘are making profits from care charges’
Some local authorities are imposing charges for home care services that are so high they must be making a profit from them, according to one leading disabled figure. Sue Bott, director of the National Centre for Independent Living, said charges for […]
Remploy redundancy shock could be ‘beginning of end’ for factories
The announcement that 2, 800 disabled Remploy workers are to be offered voluntary redundancy could be “the beginning of the end” for its sheltered factories according to unions. Remploy’s disabled staff were said to be in shock this week after the […]
Government cuts ‘risk reversing progress on equality’
Government cuts to spending on disability living allowance (DLA) and other benefits and support for disabled people could reverse the progress towards equality revealed by new official figures, say campaigners. Statistics from the government’s Office for Disability Issues (ODI) show the […]
DLA cuts will stop disabled people working, finds survey
Half of disabled people who claim disability living allowance (DLA) and have jobs would be forced to stop working or reduce their hours if they lost their entitlement to the benefit, according to a new survey. The survey, being carried out […]
UK charity boosts inclusion in vital Sudan referendum
Disabled people in southern Sudan have been supported by a UK development agency to take part in the referendum that will decide whether their region achieves independence from the north of the war-ravaged country. ADD International (ADD) helped secure funding for […]
Disabled rail passengers still being left stranded
Disabled rail passengers are still being left stranded on trains and platforms because of continuing failures in the system set up to book assistance, says a new report. Passenger Focus, the rail consumer watchdog, said there had been some improvements since […]
Government gives some ground on equality duties
The government has been forced to strengthen some of the rules on how public bodies should promote equality, after its draft plans triggered a wave of protests from disabled activists and other equality campaigners. The Government Equalities Office (GEO) published draft […]
Parking victory signals hope for fight against spending cuts
Disabled motorists who have won victories over two local authorities that scrapped free parking could inspire other campaigners fighting council spending cuts, says one leading activist. City of Lincoln Council and Norwich City Council both removed free parking for holders of […]
Campaigner’s call to arms on government’s ILF plans
A leading disabled activist has called for more disabled people to join the campaign to oppose the government’s “shocking and reckless” plans for the Independent Living Fund (ILF). Kevin Caulfield, who chairs Hammersmith and Fulham Coalition against Community Care Cuts (HAFCAC), […]