It’s silly season right now. At least, it is in the UK and many other countries. In the US, it is called the slow news season. Elsewhere it can be called cucumber time, or another such term. The reason, of course, is that at this time of year news is harder to come by. Yes, … Continue reading Silly season lacks real news stories – whether general or about disabilities
benefits
Benefits for disabled people are in chaos, government admits delays
Introductions of two flagship benefits that affect people with disabilities are both behind schedule. The government department responsible has confirmed that the nationwide roll out is going slower than anticipated. The UK government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is far behind schedule. This is the benefit brought … Continue reading Benefits for disabled people are in chaos, government admits delays
Disability benefit cuts are still a real risk
This week is the first of the six-week summer recess of the UK parliament, which is a great time to look at welfare benefits for people with disabilities. Regretfully, despite more than a year passing and a new government, albeit the same party, nothing has really changed. In April last year, I reported that the … Continue reading Disability benefit cuts are still a real risk
Atos tries to escape its past though superficial rebranding
There is a new company providing assessments of people claiming government disability benefits in the UK. Well, no, there isn't. You see, the new name, Independent Assessment Services, is just a rebranding exercise. True, the name is new but it is the same bad old company. It is still Atos Healthcare but now in disguise. … Continue reading Atos tries to escape its past though superficial rebranding
New welfare boss is either loyal party stooge or genuinely uncaring
David Gauke is the new man in charge of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK. He has been appointed by lame duck prime minister Theresa May. So, as the PM works on a deal with the Democratic Unionists, can we expect more compassion from the DWP? Regretfully, the answer is 'no'. … Continue reading New welfare boss is either loyal party stooge or genuinely uncaring
Election 2017: Labour to reform welfare benefits and end freeze
Close share panel All three main UK political parties have put stated their plans for state welfare benefits, should they win the general election. Of course, realistically only the existing government Conservatives or the major opposition Labour party, can win. The Liberal Democrats have no chance. I have ignored the UK Independence Party (UKIP) as polls … Continue reading Election 2017: Labour to reform welfare benefits and end freeze
Election: Which Party will be Best for People with Disabilities?
I have an interest in elections and politics that started more than 50 years ago. And, yes, I have delivered leaflets and even canvassed for candidates. Today, though, I decide election by election how to vote and support the party that has policies with which I agree. And that’s why on June 8, I shall … Continue reading Election: Which Party will be Best for People with Disabilities?
People with Disabilities are Right to Fear a May Victory
So, the people of the UK are facing a second general election in two years. And people with multiple sclerosis and other disabilities are worried what the results of polling day may mean for them. It could give prime minister Theresa May even more MPs to support her European exit strategy which is likely to … Continue reading People with Disabilities are Right to Fear a May Victory
More flock to accuse disability assessors of lying
Isn’t it amazing how the number of people who choose to speak out about injustices multiply once the first reports are published Many more disabled people have come forward to describe how the healthcare professionals who assessed them for the UK government’s disability benefits lied in the reports they compiled. The benefits are paid to … Continue reading More flock to accuse disability assessors of lying
People with MS receiving higher rate mobility allowance slashed by almost half
Amazing and terrible figures about the differences in payments between two of the UK’s disability benefits have been uncovered by the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show by using the Freedom of Information Act. The differences relate to payments made through the Disabled Living Allowance which is being phased out in favour of the newer Personal Independence … Continue reading People with MS receiving higher rate mobility allowance slashed by almost half
