Disabled mum won compensation vs Ealing refusal of child care support

It’s a fantastic victory that a disabled mum, Ms B, won against Ealing Council for not providing enough support for her to take care of her son. She took her case to the Local Government Ombudsman. Under the Care Act 2014 section 12, Councils have a duty to assess the needs of the family, not … Read more

Justice for Jodey – grim reality vs promises

WinVisible is among those supporting Joy Dove, mother of Jodey Whiting.  On 10 June, DWP officials travelled to meet Jodey’s bereaved parents at the office of her MP, where they told her they have made many changes.  They told her that Mind is providing training to staff.  Read the Disability News Service report of the meeting … Read more

Justice for Jodey — mum Joy Dove backed by Ken Loach

Film director Ken Loach, who made “I, Daniel Blake” (2016) to expose the brutalities of the benefits system, has given his support to Joy Dove, mum of Jodey Whiting. Ken Loach said on Twitter: “The DWP is still failing people – it may be worse now than it was when we made I, Daniel Blake.” In … Read more

Justice for Jodey — sign new petition

We are supporting Joy Dove’s new petition, Justice for Jodey Whiting, her daughter – please sign here.  A 42-year-old formerly married single mother of nine and grandmother in Stockton, North East England, Jodey Whiting took her own life in February 2017 after being cut off ESA.  She had missed seeing a letter calling her in … Read more

Universal Basic Income — solution or illusion?

Universal Basic Income is in the news again.  Compass has today published a plan by economists Stewart Lansley and Howard Reed to reverse welfare cuts and end poverty, endorsed by Baroness Ruth Lister.  We will need to look carefully at the proposals and try to understand them compared to the current welfare system and pay levels (we are claimants, … Read more

Fri 8 March: International Women’s Day/Strike

International Women’s Day/Strike DEFENDING OUR CHILDREN AND OUR WORLD The Global Women’s Strike (GWS) is hosting this outdoor picket, delighted to be joined by Frack Free Knitting Nanas Lancashire, Stanstead 15, Mental Health Resistance Network, English Collective of Prostitutes, WinVisible, Women of Colour Global Womens Strike and more.  Info below, you are welcome to contact us on win@winvisible.org Weather … 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

Legal challenge vs Universal Credit — judgement Thur 14 June

  This Thursday 14 June, at the High Court, Strand, London WC2A 2LL 9.30am: Support disabled claimants at the Joint vigil: Disabled People Against Cuts, Single Mothers’ Self-Defence, WinVisible, Rev Paul Nicolson (Taxpayers Against Poverty), Maggie Zolobajluk, and others. 10am: In court – the judge will announce his ruling.  Check court number here. On Thursday … Read more

Universal Credit disaster — disabled mums on Dispatches TV

In the programme, which also features the protests, disabled mums speak about their experiences of claiming Universal Credit.  Lorna Dunleavy was made suicidal by the in-built delays and underpayment.  Tracey lost her ESA severe disability premium after trying waged work for a time.  She was told to make a fresh claim for Universal Credit, despite … Read more

Universal Credit and domestic abuse — our evidence to MPs

We have just submitted WinVisible’s evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee of MPs on Universal Credit (UC) and domestic abuse, with input from Women Against Rape and Legal Action for Women.  The committee is scrutinising UC overall. They are now looking at how the single monthly payment of UC to the head of household, … Read more