Disability rights campaigners are calling for new laws to make it easier for single people to choose a person to speak up for them if they become too ill to make their own decisions. The campaign by Regard – which represents […]
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Government must act on fuel poverty, says coalition
The government is failing to recognise the extent of fuel poverty faced by disabled people, according to a coalition of campaigning organisations. The coalition made ten demands in its End Fuel Poverty Charter which says the “scandal” of fuel poverty has […]
EHRC pledges to do more on human rights
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has promised to “increase and extend” its human rights work, following stinging criticism by a committee of MPs and peers. In a new report, the joint select committee on human rights (JCHR) said the […]
Research shows personalisation works well if done well
Detailed research in a London borough has provided new evidence that giving disabled people control over their own support funding has a significantly positive effect on their lives. But a user-led organisation that took part in the research says more must […]
Police figures reveal new concerns
More than one in five victims of repeated anti-social behaviour are disabled people, new official figures have revealed. The statistics are contained in a report published by the chief inspector of constabulary, Denis O’Connor. He also said that more than half […]
Bus companies could face fines over wheelchair spaces
The government could start fining bus companies whose drivers fail to ensure that wheelchair-users can take advantage of the spaces put aside for them. The proposal is part of a Department for Transport consultation paper on how to make bus travel […]
MPs call for action on ‘underfunded’ social care system
The social care system is “chronically underfunded” and fails to support many disabled people with less severe needs, according to a new report by a committee of MPs. The Commons health committee’s social care report, published today (Friday), says the system […]
Schemes will trial new job support
A new government pilot scheme aims to help people with learning difficulties use part of their council support packages to find paid jobs. Jobs First, being trialled in seven local authorities across England, will test different ways to help people use […]
ELECTION 2010: Speaker pledges to ‘champion disabled people’
The Speaker of the House of Commons has pledged to be the “disabled person’s champion” in the battle to improve access to democracy. John Bercow MP, who has a track record of campaigning on disability issues, was speaking to a joint […]
ELECTION 2010: Watchdog could set up election day hotline for disabled voters
The independent elections watchdog is considering setting up a system to try to prevent disabled people being deprived of their vote on the day of the general election. The Electoral Commission has been in talks with the disability charity Scope about […]