The government has announced the 10 disabled members of its new, smaller network of disability equality advisers. Equality 2025 was set up in 2006 to advise the government on achieving equality for disabled people by 2025. But the government decided last […]
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Change to equality bill is access warning to service-providers
Disabled peers have again ensured that parts of the equality bill that protect disabled people from discrimination are as strong as similar measures in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Changes agreed by the government will mean that the bill – which […]
ELECTION 2010: Lib Dems make pledge on winter fuel
The Liberal Democrats have promised to extend winter fuel payments to up to one million severely disabled and terminally-ill people. The party said the £200 annual payments – £50 lower than those currently paid to people aged 60 to 79 – […]
ILF slammed for failing to consult on rule changes
The government agency that provides funds to help disabled people with the highest support needs to live independently has been heavily criticised for failing to consult over crucial changes to its rules. The Independent Living Fund (ILF) rule changes mean disabled […]
Ten-year wait is over for premature deaths inquiry
The government has defended a 10-year delay in setting up an inquiry into “premature and avoidable” deaths of people with learning difficulties. The confidential inquiry by the Norah Fry Research Centre, announced this week by the Department of Health (DH), will […]
Welcome for new Scottish hate crime laws
New hate crime laws that came into force in Scotland this week have been welcomed by disability and equality organisations. The Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009 extends existing laws covering violent crimes motivated by race or religious hatred to […]
Access to work breakthrough for councillors
Disabled local councillors who need access adjustments to allow them to do their jobs have achieved a breakthrough in their fight for financial support from the access to work (ATW) scheme. The disabled Liberal Democrat peer Baroness [Celia] Thomas questioned the […]
Report finds barriers but suggests personalisation is the answer
Prejudice, discrimination and low expectations are the major barriers preventing improvements to the lives of severely disabled people with learning difficulties, according to a report commissioned by the government. But Professor Jim Mansell says in his report that adults with “profound […]
Blue badge proposals would give councils power to tow cars
Councils could be given new powers to tow away cars displaying blue badges that are being misused, and to confiscate badges that have been reported lost or stolen. The government proposals aim to make the system of blue parking badges for […]
Report raises ‘grave concerns’ on work test
A new report has raised “grave concerns” about the impact of the government’s new work capability test on disabled people. The Citizens Advice report says seriously ill people are being subjected to the work capability assessment (WCA), while the test fails […]