Two disabled people have won the first stage of their legal bid to force the government to improve the much-criticised “fitness for work” test. The high court this week granted permission for them to bring a claim for judicial review against […]
Government says ‘no guarantees’ over recording of ‘fit for work’ tests
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has admitted that it cannot guarantee that disabled people who want to have their “fitness for work” tests recorded will be able to do so. Ministers introduced a new right last year for claimants […]
DWP silent on ILF communication with care services minister
The government has refused to say whether the care services minister was told in advance by his ministerial work and pensions colleagues about the publication of the vital Independent Living Fund (ILF) consultation. Questions about how closely the Department for Work […]
First wave of Remploy workers to lose jobs next month
Hundreds of disabled workers at Remploy sheltered factories across the country are set to be made redundant in just three weeks’ time, the company has confirmed. Workers in many of the 27 factories that are facing imminent closure were told this […]
London 2012: Bombing survivor says Paralympics will be ‘dream come true’
A survivor of the 7/7 bombings says competing in the London 2012 Paralympics and taking part in the opening ceremony will be “an absolute dream come true”. Martine Wiltshire, who had both legs amputated after the 2005 terrorist bombings in London, […]
London 2012: New recruit set to be one of GB’s stars of the Paralympics
Nine months ago, Ibrahima Diallo did not even know that he had cerebral palsy (cp). Now he is preparing to play a starring role for the ParalympicsGB seven-a-side football team at London 2012. It was only when a team physio spotted […]
London 2012: Paralympian warns DLA cuts could ‘jeopardise independence’
Disabled people’s independence could be jeopardised by the government’s planned cuts to disability benefits, according to a leading Paralympian. David Clarke who will captain Britain’s blind football team at next month’s Paralympics in London, said he believed cuts of 20 per […]
London 2012: Thousands of disabled volunteers will help to ‘make the games’
Disabled people are set to play a prominent and public part in both the London 2012 Olympics and the Paralympics, after organisers revealed that they would make up five per cent of the huge volunteer workforce. The London 2012 organising committee […]
Pioneer warns of ‘disastrous’ consequences of ILF closure
One of the pioneers of the independent living movement has warned the government that its decision to shut the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in 2015 could force thousands of disabled people out of their homes and into residential care. John Evans […]
Burstow appears clueless on vital ILF consultation
The minister for care services has admitted “mis-speaking” after he appeared unaware that a fellow minister had already published the long-awaited consultation paper on the future of the Independent Living Fund (ILF). Maria Miller, minister for disabled people, said in the […]