Disabled activists have welcomed a new government hate crime action plan, but have criticised its lack of detail and a failure to provide funding for disabled people’s organisations. The United Kingdom’s Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) said it was disappointed that no […]
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Loss of free parking creates problems for disabled drivers
Some disabled drivers are finding it harder to use council-run carparks because local authorities are removing their free parking concessions. The warning has come from Mobilise, the disabled motorists’ charity, which said councils are also installing new ticket machines that are […]
Charities raise concerns over mental health swine flu measures
Mental health charities have expressed concerns at government plans to cope with a possible swine flu pandemic that would make it easier to section people in hospital. The Department of Health (DH) is carrying out a short consultation on whether to […]
Government sets personal budgets target for 2011
Three in ten adults who are eligible for council-funded support services should be receiving them through personal budgets by April 2011, according to new guidance. And by October 2010, local authorities will be expected to offer a personal budget to all […]
Mixed picture on public equality duties, says watchdog
Britain’s equality watchdog has described the efforts of public authorities to fulfil their legal duties to promote disability equality as “mixed”. Some are still failing to encourage the participation of disabled people in public life, or promote positive images of disabled […]
Liberty’s home is safe for another year
The Liberty disability arts festival will stay in its Trafalgar Square home next year, London’s Mayor has confirmed. This year’s festival attracted an estimated 20, 000 visitors, but there had been concerns that it might be moved to a venue away […]
Bay abuse supermarkets face flood of court action
Supermarkets are facing claims for compensation from disabled shoppers across the country because they have failed to protect their accessible parking bays from abuse. A string of county court claims are being dealt with by a new legal firm led by […]
Watchdog calls for user involvement
England’s health and adult social care regulator is seeking disabled people and user-led organisations to play a part in the regulation of services. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is looking for individuals and organisations to help it expand its SpeakOut network, […]
Disability world mourns Baroness Chapman
The disability world is mourning the loss of one of its most respected campaigners, Baroness [Nicky] Chapman of Leeds. The crossbench life peer, who died on 3 September aged 48, had been a member of the Lords since 2004. Among her […]
Greens join battle over DLA and AA
Disabled Green Party activists are joining the fight to prevent the government scrapping disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA). Following a fringe meeting of the party’s trade union group, members agreed to submit a defence of the two key […]