An equalities minister has delivered a lukewarm verdict on the first two years of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) saying the watchdog “could do better”. Maria Eagle, a minister in the Government Equalities Office (GEO), said the EHRC had […]
MP calls for evidence from disabled people for fuel poverty inquiry
Disabled campaigners have welcomed a new inquiry by MPs that will examine the extent of fuel poverty experienced by disabled people. The Commons energy and climate change committee announced last week that it was holding a short inquiry into the government’s […]
Campaigners fight again to hold the line on assisted suicide
Disability organisations have had to line up yet again against any weakening of the law on assisted suicide following two high profile court cases and the publication of proposed new laws in Scotland. Kay Gilderdale, from Stonegate, East Sussex, was cleared […]
Peers approve bill to right wrongs of NHS’s ‘worst treatment disaster’
A bill that would provide vital financial support to the disabled victims of the “worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS” has been approved by the House of Lords. The contaminated blood (support for infected and bereaved persons) bill […]
Campaigns call on political parties to cut the jargon
Two new campaigns aim to boost the number of people with learning difficulties who will vote at this year’s general election. At the last general election in 2005 of the people with learning difficulties who use services run by the charity […]
Equality bill amendments ‘will transform rights’
Campaigners and disabled peers say two key sets of government amendments to the equality bill will transform disability rights in employment and education. One series of amendments will tighten the ban – added to the bill at an earlier stage – […]
New boss of UKDPC looks forward to ‘fantastic opportunity’
The new head of the UK’s leading disabled people’s organisation has described his appointment as a “fantastic opportunity” to help rebuild its credibility. Jaspal Dhani is the first permanent chief executive of the United Kingdom’s Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) since Andy […]
Figures show thousands missing out on employment support
New government figures have confirmed that only a small proportion of people applying for out-of-work disability benefits are “passing” the strict new test, the work capability assessment (WCA). The government claimed the figures showed that “thousands of people are now moving […]
Justice system ‘must listen’ on safeguarding
A leading disabled campaigner has welcomed government plans to bring in new laws on “safeguarding” adults, but has called for professionals to do far more to listen to people with learning difficulties. His call came after care services minister Phil Hope […]
Movement must do more to encourage leaders of the future
Campaigners have called for a “tidal wave of desire for change” in the disability movement to encourage more young disabled people to become the leaders of the future. The call comes in the report Pushing for Change, part of a project […]