The government’s new learning difficulties ‘tsar’ has pledged to challenge ministers if they fail to “deliver” the Valuing People Now (VPN) strategy. Scott Watkin, who has a learning difficulty, was speaking on the day he started work as the new co-national […]
News Archive
EHRC sets up £10 million community chest
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has set up a £10.2 million fund to help grassroots organisations build an inclusive Britain. The commission will give funding of up to £450, 000 over three years to projects that provide advice and […]
Government appoints new head of disability equality department
The government has appointed an executive with 25 years’ experience of working with disabled people to head its Office for Disability Issues (ODI). Tim Cooper, who is profoundly deaf, is managing director of Shaw Trust’s work and independence division, and previously […]
Public transport still inaccessible, say young campaigners
Disabled people are still struggling to use public transport because it can be unsafe, unreliable or too expensive, an undercover investigation by young campaigners has revealed. The report found that the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) had led to a “vast improvement” […]
Putting People First is making progress, finds survey
More than one in five people receiving care services in the community will have a personal budget by April 2010, according to a new survey. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Local Government Association found that councils […]
Report finds little support for means-tested care
Less than one in five people back the current system of means testing to fund social care support, according to a new report. The Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) and PricewaterhouseCoopers said more than half of those questioned in a […]
GB’s Beijing golden streak continues in Manchester
Britain’s disabled swimmers, cyclists and athletes continued where they left off in Beijing by winning a string of gold medals at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester. Among the winners were teenage swimming sensation (and double Paralympic gold medallist) Ellie […]
Government response ‘shows contempt’ for NHS blood scandal victims
People with haemophilia who were given contaminated blood by the NHS say they are “appalled and disgusted” by the government’s response to an independent inquiry into the scandal. Nearly 5, 000 people with haemophilia were exposed to hepatitis C, and more […]
Review ‘will help more mental health service-users into work’
The government has launched a new review aimed at improving the “shameful” numbers of mental health service-users in employment. James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, said the government needed to be “more proactive” so disabled people have “a fair opportunity […]
Government supports MP’s autism bill
England could soon have its first autism-specific legislation, after the government threw its weight behind a private members’ bill that aims to transform services for adults with autism. The National Autistic Society, which drafted the bill on behalf of 15 autism […]