Four Liberal Democrat ministers have defended the coalition government’s planned spending cuts, and have pledged to “protect” disabled people and other “vulnerable” groups. The ministers – pensions minister Steve Webb, care services minister Paul Burstow, children and families minister Sarah Teather […]
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Liberal Democrat conference: Disabled members could quit party over DLA
Disabled Liberal Democrats are threatening to quit the party over the huge cuts to spending on disability living allowance (DLA) announced by the coalition government. The chancellor announced in his emergency budget in June that he would cut spending on DLA […]
Liberal Democrat conference: Concerns over SEN provision
A flagship government policy to expand the number of academies and set up new “free schools” will damage the education chances of disabled pupils, according to delegates at the Liberal Democrat conference. A succession of party members raised concerns that the […]
Photographer leaves legacy of great sporting pictures
Sports organisations and campaigners were this week mourning the loss of a ground-breaking disabled photographer who leaves behind an “enormous legacy” of pictures that captured many of the great moments of Paralympic sport. Graham Bool, who died suddenly on 17 September, […]
Liberal Democrat conference: Ministers ‘know social care funding risks’
Government ministers “know what will happen” if they fail to fund social care adequately and end up “shunting” costs onto the health service, the Liberal Democrat care services minister has admitted. Paul Burstow told a fringe meeting at his party’s conference […]
Liberal Democrat conference: Delegates fear impact of spending cuts
Liberal Democrat delegates have raised fears about the impact of spending cuts on disabled people, and have criticised the language used by the coalition government in attacking “benefit cheats”. They were debating a motion – approved overwhelmingly by party members – […]
Debenhams showcases new wheelchair for mannequins
The designer of the world’s first wheelchair for mannequins hopes her ground-breaking new product will be a step forward for disability equality in the high street. The Mannequal made its first appearance on 3 September in the store window of the […]
Survey finds public support for winter fuel campaign
There is widespread public support for extending winter fuel payments to severely disabled people, according to a new survey. The research found that 86 per cent of non-disabled people (and 90 per cent of disabled people) supported the move. The survey […]
High-speed broadband ‘could transform lives’
Super-fast broadband services could “transform” the lives of disabled and older people, according to a new report. The report, prepared for Ofcom’s advisory committee on older and disabled people, says that so-called “next generation” broadband could help disabled people access education, […]
Government backs calls for simpler, clearer social care laws
The government has backed calls for new, simpler laws on social care to replace the current “piecemeal” state of the legal framework. The Department of Health (DoH) was responding to a public consultation by the Law Commission on reform of social […]