The announcement that 2, 800 disabled Remploy workers are to be offered voluntary redundancy could be “the beginning of the end” for its sheltered factories according to unions. Remploy’s disabled staff were said to be in shock this week after the […]
Government cuts ‘risk reversing progress on equality’
Government cuts to spending on disability living allowance (DLA) and other benefits and support for disabled people could reverse the progress towards equality revealed by new official figures, say campaigners. Statistics from the government’s Office for Disability Issues (ODI) show the […]
DLA cuts will stop disabled people working, finds survey
Half of disabled people who claim disability living allowance (DLA) and have jobs would be forced to stop working or reduce their hours if they lost their entitlement to the benefit, according to a new survey. The survey, being carried out […]
UK charity boosts inclusion in vital Sudan referendum
Disabled people in southern Sudan have been supported by a UK development agency to take part in the referendum that will decide whether their region achieves independence from the north of the war-ravaged country. ADD International (ADD) helped secure funding for […]
Disabled rail passengers still being left stranded
Disabled rail passengers are still being left stranded on trains and platforms because of continuing failures in the system set up to book assistance, says a new report. Passenger Focus, the rail consumer watchdog, said there had been some improvements since […]
Government gives some ground on equality duties
The government has been forced to strengthen some of the rules on how public bodies should promote equality, after its draft plans triggered a wave of protests from disabled activists and other equality campaigners. The Government Equalities Office (GEO) published draft […]
Parking victory signals hope for fight against spending cuts
Disabled motorists who have won victories over two local authorities that scrapped free parking could inspire other campaigners fighting council spending cuts, says one leading activist. City of Lincoln Council and Norwich City Council both removed free parking for holders of […]
Campaigner’s call to arms on government’s ILF plans
A leading disabled activist has called for more disabled people to join the campaign to oppose the government’s “shocking and reckless” plans for the Independent Living Fund (ILF). Kevin Caulfield, who chairs Hammersmith and Fulham Coalition against Community Care Cuts (HAFCAC), […]
Government’s justification for cutting benefit is ‘a myth’
The government’s justification for cutting a vital benefit from disabled people in residential care is “a myth”, according to a coalition of charities. The government claims removing the mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA) from an estimated 80,000 people in […]
Government ‘should copy DPTAC, not scrap it’
The government should rethink the decision to scrap its accessible transport advice body and even set up similar committees in other departments, according to a disabled peer. Lord [Colin] Low said the Department for Transport (DfT) had “lost its focus” on […]