Disabled people will receive an above-inflation increase in disability benefits in April, the chancellor has announced in his pre-budget report. But there were criticisms of the move later, when it emerged that the recipients will have to cope with a lower […]
News Archive
Battle begins again to bring best out of equality bill
Campaigners are preparing to continue the battle to strengthen disabled people’s protection from discrimination in the equality bill. Although they have welcomed amendments made by the government earlier this month as the bill completed its progress through the Commons, they say […]
Government takes next step on path towards right to control
The government has announced which sources of funding will be included in pilot projects that aim to give disabled people more choice and control over their state support. Jonathan Shaw, the minister for disabled people, said the new right to control […]
Campaigners call for ‘radical’ changes to mayor’s plan for London
Deaf and disabled activists have called on London’s mayor to make “radical improvements” to his strategy for developing the capital over the next 20 years. Mayor Boris Johnson is carrying out a full review of the London plan produced five years […]
Coalition lays down route out of poverty
A campaigning coalition is hoping that a new “disability manifesto” will help to end disability poverty by 2025. Tackling Disability Poverty, published by the disability poverty charity Disability Alliance and backed by 16 organisations, outlines 17 “routes out of poverty” that […]
Council to use PFI to fund new centre for independent living
A London council is hoping to become the first local authority to use funding from the controversial Private Finance Initiative (PFI) to set up a centre for independent living (CIL). The London borough of Barnet – seen as a flagship Conservative-run […]
Mental health launch: new strategy ‘will lead to lower prejudice’
The government’s new mental health and employment strategy will help reduce discrimination and prejudice, according to the minister for disabled people. The first national mental health and employment strategy for England, Scotland and Wales aims to encourage employers to take on […]
Mental health launch: intensive support will boost numbers in work
Prejudice, low expectations and a lack of support are denying people with mental health conditions the chance to work according to a major new review. Realising Ambitions – commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – says more than […]
Mental health launch: strategy ‘will replace prejudice with opportunity’
The government has launched a new “over-arching” mental health strategy for England, with the twin aims of providing better services and improving the nation’s mental health. The cross-government New Horizons strategy was launched alongside three linked publications around mental health and […]
Sports bodies launch last hunt for athletes with Paralympic X factor
Three major UK sports bodies have launched one final search for disabled potential medal-winners, with just 1 000 days to go until the start of the London 2012 Paralympics. Talent2012: Paralympic Potential is a nationwide talent drive being run by ParalympicsGB, […]