UC challenges by mum of disabled daughter and ESA man found “fit for work”

More legal challenges to Universal Credit are on the way: by a man whose ESA was stopped when he was unfairly found “fit for work”; and by a single mother who lost her carer benefits as her daughter’s DLA did not continue smoothly. More information from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) representing the claimants, is below. … Read more

Bolivia — the struggle for living benefits

In July we were delighted to meet Feliza Ali Ramos and Marcelo Vásquez, disability campaigners from the organisation New Hope in Bolivia, at the alternative international solidarity summit, and later the festival of resistance against the hypocrisy of the UK government’s Global Disability Summit. The courageous and imaginative Bolivian disability movement fighting for a living benefit … Read more

Entitled to free support services under aftercare?

  A volunteer writes: “If you have ever been sectioned on a section 3 of the Mental Health Act (and other sections below) once you are discharged back to the community and have needs relating to healthcare, social care or supported accommodation, then these should be provided by what is called Section 117 aftercare. A … Read more

Universal Credit — WV evidence to Social Security Advisory Committee

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) is a Committee of up to 15 people, some with a disability background.  It was set up by the government to advise on social security issues and to scrutinise benefit regulations.  They send a report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.  Their report must be presented … Read more

More on Universal Credit win — DNS quotes WV

From Disability News Service https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/dwp-agrees-to-pay-thousands-to-disabled-duo-in-universal-credit-court-case/ BY JOHN PRING ON AUGUST 2, 2018 DWP agrees to pay thousands to disabled duo in universal credit court case The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has finally agreed to pay compensation to two disabled men who saw their benefits drastically reduced when they were forced onto the new universal credit. The … Read more

Universal Credit claimants win compensation

Here is the press release from the legal team at Leigh Day: https://www.leighday.co.uk/News/News-2018/July-2018/Men-with-severe-disabilities-win-compensation-foll Men with severe disabilities win compensation following Universal Credit discrimination The Government has settled a case of unlawful discrimination against two men with severe disabilities who both saw their benefits dramatically reduced when they moved Local Authority and were required to claim … Read more

Vigil cancelled re: compensation for Universal Credit benefit cut claimants

VIGIL CANCELLED Our vigil is cancelled as we are told by the solicitor in the case that the hearing is likely not to go ahead due to developments. More news to follow as we get it. Monday 30 July 2018 High Court, Strand, London WC2A 2LL 10.30am:  Court case was listed in COURT 2, case … Read more

Disabled people transforming Hammersmith & Fulham policy

The unusual combination of active local people and accountable councillors has made the way for Hammersmith & Fulham to be the only Council in England to abolish homecare charges, abolish bailiffs for debt, get housing estates back from private developers, and set out to change many other things. On 20 June 2018 we were thrilled … Read more

Talawa/Graeae theatre night Fri 22 June

Our colleague Sorena, WinVisible member, is part of this one-off theatre event on Friday 22 June, which comes out of therapeutic workshops exploring disability, race and gender, breaking isolation, and encouraging emerging Black artists.  See below for ticket prices, concessions and access info. We hope you can come! Part of the Talawa Firsts 2018 festival which … Read more