A disabled MP has defended his decision to vote with the coalition government on controversial measures in the welfare reform bill that will see cuts to disabled people’s benefits. Stephen Lloyd has faced accusations of hypocrisy because of his decision to […]
All News Stories
Coalition MPs overturn Lords again on welfare reform
The government has again succeeded in overturning an amendment to the welfare reform bill that would have protected some disabled people from cuts to their benefits. The amendment would have exempted many disabled people from a proposal to cut the housing […]
Disabled people’s organisation faces criticism over ministerial invitation
A leading user-led organisation has been criticised for asking the minister for disabled people to help launch new guidance on disability hate crime while failing to invite the media. Maria Miller and other work and pensions ministers have faced repeated criticism […]
Resignation of CQC head was ‘overdue’
The decision of the head of the care and health watchdog to announce her resignation has been welcomed by a leading disabled people’s organisation. Cynthia Bower announced her resignation – which will not take effect until August – on the same […]
Benefit reassessment could lead to destitution, says charity
Thousands of disabled people across Scotland could face “destitution” because of the programme to reassess all claimants of incapacity benefit (IB), a new report has warned. The report, by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), claims an estimated 115,000 disabled people in Scotland […]
Workfare controversy: Charities think again on government scheme
At least two major disability charities are investigating their involvement in a controversial government programme that has been described by critics as “slave labour”. The government’s scheme offers work experience to young people for between two and eight weeks, but angry […]
Workfare controversy: Fears over plans for ‘unlimited work experience’
Disabled people could soon be forced to work for their benefits for an unlimited period of time, campaigners fear. Measures in the welfare reform bill will mean many disabled people found eligible for employment and support allowance (ESA) – but capable […]
Freedom Guide calls for an end to ‘blatant discrimination’
The European Union (EU) must act to halt the “blatant discrimination” that prevents disabled people working, studying or travelling in other countries, according to a major new report by Europe’s leading disabled people’s organisation. The Freedom Guide, or Paving the Way […]
Government must ease anxiety over DLA reforms, say MPs
The government must do more to ease the anxiety of disabled people over its disability living allowance (DLA) reforms, according to a committee of MPs. The work and pensions select committee report says the plans to scrap working-age DLA and replace […]
Peers win more concessions on welfare reform bill
The government has been defeated by peers again on its welfare reform bill, this time over a proposal that was set to punish disabled people in social housing who have spare bedrooms. The bill returned to the Lords this week through […]