A shock government move to weaken the rules on how public bodies must promote equality will make it harder for disabled people to challenge their policies and decisions, say campaigners. In a new “policy review paper”, the government says it wants […]
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Government’s new attack on equality watchdog
The government has published “radical” plans to reduce the duties and responsibilities of the equality watchdog. In its latest attack on the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the government said its performance had been “weak” and it had struggled to […]
Disabled campaigners tell MPs of serious concerns over welfare reforms
Three leading disabled campaigners have told MPs examining the government’s new welfare reform bill of their serious concerns about the impact of the proposed legislation on disabled people’s lives. Mike Adams, chief executive of Essex Coalition of Disabled People, Sue Bott, […]
Teather faces fierce criticism over SEN reforms
Government plans for reforming the special educational needs (SEN) system will give more power to professionals and could lead to a “huge mushrooming” in the number of special schools, a minister has been told. Sarah Teather, the Liberal Democrat children’s minister, […]
The death of David Askew: Hate crime ordeal lasted 40 years
A disabled man’s hate crime ordeal, which lasted nearly 40 years, has been laid bare by a report into the circumstances that led to his death. The serious case review was set up by Tameside Adult Safeguarding Partnership (TASP) following the […]
The death of David Askew: Police force’s ‘total failure’ on hate crime
A police force that failed to treat a disabled man’s “years of torment” at the hands of local youths as disability hate crime has been heavily criticised by the police watchdog and hate crime campaigners. David Askew, who had learning difficulties, […]
Court cases expose hate crime problems in justice system
Two court cases involving prolonged, violent attacks on disabled people have again exposed problems within the criminal justice system over its treatment of disability hate crime. In one case, a judge refused to treat a case in which four people subjected […]
Virtual protest ‘will help send message to government’ on cuts
Disabled people unable to attend the TUC’s mass march and rally over government spending cuts will be able to take part instead in a “virtual” protest online. Disabled campaigners will be at the front of the protest march on Saturday 26 […]
Disabled peers queue up to attack government over work test changes
Disabled peers have called on the government not to push ahead with new regulations that will make it even harder for people to claim out-of-work disability benefits. Lord [Colin] Low Baroness [Rosalie] Wilkins, the Countess of Mar and Baroness [Celia] Thomas […]
Review raises fears over government’s plans for care duties
Disabled people have “reasons to be very nervous” about a government review which questions whether local authorities should still have a legal duty to assess disabled people’s care needs, say campaigners. A wide-ranging review led by the Communities and Local Government […]