The minister for disabled people would not rule out scrapping the government’s controversial “fitness for work” test, she has told Disability News Service (DNS). In an interview at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, Esther McVey said that the work capability […]
Conservative conference: McVey stays silent over ‘cuts’ to DLA
The minister for disabled people has refused 21 times to say whether spending on a key disability benefit will be cut next year. In an interview with Disability News Service at the Conservative party conference in Manchester Esther McVey declined 21 […]
Conservative conference: Government is told to boost support for job-seekers
Campaigners have told delegates to the Conservative party conference why intensive support is vital in helping disabled job-seekers to find work. They were speaking at a fringe event organised by the UK Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) and the Disability Benefits Consortium. […]
Carpet of flowers turns Parliament Square into memorial to WCA victims
Disabled actors, performers and activists have joined faith leaders and mainstream grassroots campaigners for a memorial event outside parliament to remember the thousands of disabled victims of the government’s austerity programme. The 10, 000 Cuts and Counting event saw a swathe […]
EU commissioner criticises coalition for causing ‘social damage’
A European commissioner has told Disability News Service (DNS) that the UK government should have done more to “minimise the social damage” caused to disabled people and other disadvantaged groups by its austerity measures. Dr Laszlo Andor, the Hungarian economist who […]
Legal threats force Doncaster agencies into serious case review
A board that aims to protect disabled adults at risk of harm has been forced by legal threats to hold an independent review into the abuse that took place at a Doncaster day centre. Doncaster Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (DSAPB) – […]
RNIB’s sponsorship of special school is ‘dark day’ for inclusion
The decision of a disabled people’s organisation (DPO) to sponsor the conversion of a special school into an academy is a “dark day” for the inclusive education movement, say disabled activists. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) announced this […]
Campaigners demand action from UN on disability poverty
Disabled musicians, actors, athletes, comedians and politicians have called on the United Nations (UN) to ensure the needs of the world’s one billion disabled people are not forgotten as it draws up its new plan to fight poverty. Their open letter […]
Wheelchair-users must have right to space on buses enforced, says court
In a landmark decision, a court has ruled that bus companies must ensure their wheelchair spaces are available for any wheelchair-users who need them. After a hearing at Leeds County Court, Recorder Paul Isaacs decided that the “first come, first served” […]
Campaigners score ‘bedroom tax’ court victories
Two crucial legal victories have boosted the hopes of campaigners fighting to defeat the “bedroom tax” and highlight its impact on hundreds of thousands of disabled people. The first success saw the first-tier tribunal rule that a small room being used […]