A survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KV3XWGP
Monday, 27 February 2012
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Short workfare rant
I am against people working for their dole.
Whilst you're working for that dole you're not able to do other things that might improve work prospects - people should be encouraged to study, do short-hour voluntary work to try different fields, to expand their horizons.
Shoving people into short-term contracts with commercial organisations to answer phones or stack shelves doesn't help people find work, it just makes people feel like the dole isn't an easy ride and therefore less resentful of those in receipt of it.
Can people on Workfare join unions? No, because they're short term contracts. Who will protect the rights of those on Workfare? The DWP isn't exactly known for standing up for workers' rights. What if a Workfare provider just takes people for 8 weeks time and time again, maybe interviewing people at the end of their time, but never taking anyone on for paid work?
How do you think disabled people will fare on Workfare schemes? There's no Access to Work provision for voluntary work, and without being on sickness benefits people often aren't recognised by DWP staff as needing access adjustments.
What about parents? Or carers? They will also be forced into workfare, which isn't going to be as flexible as it might need to be.
The dole shouldn't be conditional on people working for it - if there's a job to do, and it's with a commercial organisation, that should be a paid position. Work for dole becomes akin to work-based punishment - it's punitive, demeaning, and unhelpful.
I did the maths - one person employed for 30 hours a week, for 8 weeks, not being paid £6.50 an hour is donating £1,560's worth of labour. Multiply that out to the 24,010* that have done Workfare so far and that's £37,455,600 of donated labour.
Voluntary work needs to be voluntary - given willingly, not through coercion, or the whole basis of volunteer work is undermined and demeaned.
Something I hear said is why should "the taxpayer" fund people who "choose not to work?"
If someone has “chosen not to work” they need to be shown what can be achieved with work – and a short-term job, without the benefit of a decent wage packet gives an individual neither the social benefits of working (meeting new people, building self-confidence, developing skills, for example) nor the extrinsic satisfaction of a healthy pay packet. That’s why I say it’s simply punitive. If people are employed for 8 weeks, pay them their 8 weeks’ wages! Then maybe people will start seeing why it’s worth working.
If someone “chooses not to work”, why is that? Why is life on £54 a week + some rent a better choice for someone than work with a proper income?
I suspect often people will have underlying unaddressed depression or anxiety disorders – but the DWP will do nothing to help address that. Or unrecognised learning difficulties – again, being sent on key skills courses may be useful, but learning to read & write doesn’t help with the wider cognitive issues linked to Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or ADHD.
And now, to add to this, people on Employment Support Allowance – people considered disabled in such a way that they may be capable of some work in the future face fucking indefinite “voluntary” placements or face sanctions!
*http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/pwp/mwa_feb12.pdf
Whilst you're working for that dole you're not able to do other things that might improve work prospects - people should be encouraged to study, do short-hour voluntary work to try different fields, to expand their horizons.
Shoving people into short-term contracts with commercial organisations to answer phones or stack shelves doesn't help people find work, it just makes people feel like the dole isn't an easy ride and therefore less resentful of those in receipt of it.
Can people on Workfare join unions? No, because they're short term contracts. Who will protect the rights of those on Workfare? The DWP isn't exactly known for standing up for workers' rights. What if a Workfare provider just takes people for 8 weeks time and time again, maybe interviewing people at the end of their time, but never taking anyone on for paid work?
How do you think disabled people will fare on Workfare schemes? There's no Access to Work provision for voluntary work, and without being on sickness benefits people often aren't recognised by DWP staff as needing access adjustments.
What about parents? Or carers? They will also be forced into workfare, which isn't going to be as flexible as it might need to be.
The dole shouldn't be conditional on people working for it - if there's a job to do, and it's with a commercial organisation, that should be a paid position. Work for dole becomes akin to work-based punishment - it's punitive, demeaning, and unhelpful.
I did the maths - one person employed for 30 hours a week, for 8 weeks, not being paid £6.50 an hour is donating £1,560's worth of labour. Multiply that out to the 24,010* that have done Workfare so far and that's £37,455,600 of donated labour.
Voluntary work needs to be voluntary - given willingly, not through coercion, or the whole basis of volunteer work is undermined and demeaned.
Something I hear said is why should "the taxpayer" fund people who "choose not to work?"
If someone has “chosen not to work” they need to be shown what can be achieved with work – and a short-term job, without the benefit of a decent wage packet gives an individual neither the social benefits of working (meeting new people, building self-confidence, developing skills, for example) nor the extrinsic satisfaction of a healthy pay packet. That’s why I say it’s simply punitive. If people are employed for 8 weeks, pay them their 8 weeks’ wages! Then maybe people will start seeing why it’s worth working.
If someone “chooses not to work”, why is that? Why is life on £54 a week + some rent a better choice for someone than work with a proper income?
I suspect often people will have underlying unaddressed depression or anxiety disorders – but the DWP will do nothing to help address that. Or unrecognised learning difficulties – again, being sent on key skills courses may be useful, but learning to read & write doesn’t help with the wider cognitive issues linked to Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or ADHD.
And now, to add to this, people on Employment Support Allowance – people considered disabled in such a way that they may be capable of some work in the future face fucking indefinite “voluntary” placements or face sanctions!
*http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/pwp/mwa_feb12.pdf
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Private healthcare - realistically
I decided to get a rough quote for private healthcare, just to see how it would work for someone like me, with a back problem, arthritis, a history of mental health problems, and other ongoing niggling issues.
In short, it wouldn't.
There you go, now you know!
In a little more detail, I spoke to a very polite chap at Usay Compare to get a quote. He explained private health insurance would allow me to see a specialist straight away, rather than after 18 weeks on the NHS, and that if I needed to go to hospital I would get a private room with a TV & en-suite bathroom.
He asked how old I was (30), where I lived (S.E. London), what my job was (desk job), if I had a partner (yes), if I smoked (no), and if I had had any surgery or medical investigations in the last five years. I have.
It was explained that any insurance policy I got would have a "moratorium" whereby anything I'd had investigated in the last five years couldn't be covered under the policy, but if I had no symptoms for two years, the policy would cover it after two years. Asthma was considered chronic, and would never be covered.
Here is where it will get very personal.
In the last five years I have had:
- a hysterectomy (as part of gender reassignment)
- blood tests to check for inflammatory markers, anemia, Vitamin D deficiency, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction.
- counselling
- Gender identity clinic appointments
- An MRI of my inner-ears
- An MRI of my lower spine
- X-rays of my hips
- Lung function tests
- Vestibular function tests
- Dyspraxia assessment
- ADHD assessment
- Physiotherapy
- Neurology referral.
I've been diagnosed with asthma, osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and non-specific inner-ear dysfunction. I'm also dyspraxic.
What would be covered by a health insurance policy?
Medications not linked to any of the above, investigations not linked to any of the above, hospital treatment not linked to any of the above, and cancer treatment.
Isn't that wonderfully generous? It's not realistic that any of those conditions will cause me no symptoms for two years, so I can reasonably assume a private insurer wouldn't ever cover those things. Basically, the NHS would still have to cover 90% of my medical treatment, but I know if I fall and break a leg I can go private. Unless the insurer decides that my fall was caused by vertigo or dyspraxia.
My anti-inflammatories, painkillers, anti-vertigo meds, bronchodilator, steroid inhaler, and hormone replacement would all still have to be provided by the NHS.
My physio would have to be provided by the NHS.
I'd still be paying £10.40 a month for my prescription pre-payment certificate.
I was given an estimated quote of £33.33 from Aviva, or £59 from Bupa to cover, well, not very much at all.
EDIT TO UPDATE
I've had the paperwork through that outlines the things this policy wouldn't cover:
- Pre-existing conditions unless expressly included.
- long term or chronic conditions
- HIV / AIDS and related conditions
- treatment for pregnancy or childbirth
- diagnostic tests and treatment for infertility
- surgical or medical appliances such as neurostimulators (e.g. cochlear implants) and crutches
- charges by a GP, medical practitioner or specialist for completion of a claim form
- alcoholism, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, solvent abuse and other addictive conditions
- treatment undertaken by a specialist without a GP referral
- psycho-geriatric conditions
- kidney dialysis
- cosmetic treatment (except following an accident or surgery for cancer(
- take home-drugs or dressings
- professional sports injuries
- experimental treatment (limited benefit may be available)
- treatment required as a result of war, terrorism or contamination by radioactivity or chemicals
- self-inflicted injury
- sexual dysfunction
- sleep disorders and sleep problems such as snoring or sleep apnoea
- treatment for warts or verrucas
- weight loss surgery.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Freedom of Information request made
Dear Ms Miller,
My name is Robin blah blah blah My address is Somewhere, Somewhere, London. I am not contacting you as a constituent, but regarding information requested under the Freedom of Information Act .
Under the Freedom of Information Act I would like to know the following:
Of the charities and organisations met with whilst consulting on the Welfare Reform Bill & proposed changes to DLA (organisations listed below) which of them stated support specifically for your proposed reforms?
Please could you send me the minutes from those meetings by email.
Yours sincerely
Me.
1. Action for ME;
2. Action for Blind People
3. Action on Hearing Loss;
4. CALL Scotland;
5. Capability Scotland;
6. Citizens Advice
7. Centre for Mental Health;
8. Child Poverty Action Group;
9. Crohn’s and Colitis UK;
10. DIAL Peterborough;
11. Disability Action In Islington;
12. Disability Alliance;
13. Disability Lambeth;
14. Down’s Syndrome Association;
15. Dystonia Society;
16. Ecas;
17. Enfield Disability Association;
18. Essex Coalition of Disabled People;
19. Family Action;
20. Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living;
21. Hackney Carers;
22. Hayfield Support Services with Deaf People;
23. Headway Glasgow;
24. Haemaphilia Society;
25. Inclusion Scotland;
26. Independent Living in Scotland Project;
27. Leonard Cheshire Disability;
28. Limbless Association;
29. Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living;
30. Macmillan;
31. Margaret Blackwood Housing Association;
My name is Robin blah blah blah My address is Somewhere, Somewhere, London. I am not contacting you as a constituent, but regarding information requested under the Freedom of Information Act .
Under the Freedom of Information Act I would like to know the following:
Of the charities and organisations met with whilst consulting on the Welfare Reform Bill & proposed changes to DLA (organisations listed below) which of them stated support specifically for your proposed reforms?
Please could you send me the minutes from those meetings by email.
Yours sincerely
Me.
1. Action for ME;
2. Action for Blind People
3. Action on Hearing Loss;
4. CALL Scotland;
5. Capability Scotland;
6. Citizens Advice
7. Centre for Mental Health;
8. Child Poverty Action Group;
9. Crohn’s and Colitis UK;
10. DIAL Peterborough;
11. Disability Action In Islington;
12. Disability Alliance;
13. Disability Lambeth;
14. Down’s Syndrome Association;
15. Dystonia Society;
16. Ecas;
17. Enfield Disability Association;
18. Essex Coalition of Disabled People;
19. Family Action;
20. Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living;
21. Hackney Carers;
22. Hayfield Support Services with Deaf People;
23. Headway Glasgow;
24. Haemaphilia Society;
25. Inclusion Scotland;
26. Independent Living in Scotland Project;
27. Leonard Cheshire Disability;
28. Limbless Association;
29. Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living;
30. Macmillan;
31. Margaret Blackwood Housing Association;
32. Mencap;
33. Middlesborough Welfare Rights Unit;
34. MS Society;
35. Mind;
36. Momentum Scotland;
37. National AIDS Trust;
38. National Autistic Society;
39. National Deaf Children’s Society;
40. National Rheumatoid
41. National Federation of the Blind;
42. Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People;
43. Parkinson’s UK;
44. Papworth Trust;
45. People First;
46. Poverty Alliance;
47. Quarriers;
48. Royal National Institute of Blind People;
49. Scottish Association for Mental Health;
50. Scope.
33. Middlesborough Welfare Rights Unit;
34. MS Society;
35. Mind;
36. Momentum Scotland;
37. National AIDS Trust;
38. National Autistic Society;
39. National Deaf Children’s Society;
40. National Rheumatoid
41. National Federation of the Blind;
42. Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People;
43. Parkinson’s UK;
44. Papworth Trust;
45. People First;
46. Poverty Alliance;
47. Quarriers;
48. Royal National Institute of Blind People;
49. Scottish Association for Mental Health;
50. Scope.
Monday, 6 February 2012
The "Somebody else's problem" field
I think Maria Miller, Ian Duncan Smith, Lord Freud et al read Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and took the "somebody else's problem" field to heart.
In case you're unfamiliar with the concept, "An S.E.P or 'Somebody Else's Problem field' is a cheap, easy, and staggeringly useful way of safely protecting something from unwanted eyes. It can run almost indefinitely on a flashlight battery, and is able to do so because it utilizes a person's natural tendency to ignore things they don't easily accept... Any problems which may present itself to a person inside an S.E.P will become Somebody Else's.": http://hitchhikers.wikia.com/wiki/Somebody_Else%27s_Problem_field
So it looks like Miller, Freud, IDS etc are placing a "somebody else's problem" field around disabled people.
Access to Work, funded through the DWP, is now restricted, so specialist versions of things that an employer would normally provide for staff are no longer funded, even if a specialist bit of kit for a disabled person is significantly more expensive than the standard version. DWP don't want it coming out of their budget, it's somebody else's problem.
Telephones are provided by employers. So deaf people that use minicoms are now expected to have these funded by their employers. A minicom requires an analogue phone line. Many offices now use digital phone lines. So a deaf employee needs a phone costing around £300, and a dedicated phone line costing around £15 a month. The point of Access to Work was so employers wouldn't think of meeting access needs of disabled staff as a financial burden. Oh well, for the DWP it's somebody else's problem if fewer disabled staff are employed.
Mobility payments from DLA were to be removed from people in residential care, because care homes were thought to provide transportation. When it became clear this was poorly thought through, and many people would lose all independence, this policy was changed. It was to be somebody else's problem.
People with restricted mobility get DLA to try and remove barriers linked to poor access, but we have laws to make shops accessible now, don't we? Removing barriers via DLA is no longer the DWP's issue It's somebody else's problem.
Personal care tasks that are currently used to assess eligibility for DLA will no longer count in PIP, presumably because local councils are supposed to provide help with care (or direct payments so people can employ their own personal assistance). Never mind that councils can't afford to provide care for anyone other than the most desperately ill. That money won't come out of DWP budget, it's somebody else's problem.
The Independent Living Fund has been closed to new people, without any replacement being provided. It was intended to make sure people with the most complex care needs that would otherwise be in residential care, had those met in order to live independently. Presumably the DWP thinks local councils should be providing this funding, whatever the reasoning, by removing that support they've clearly labelled it "somebody else's problem."
People are going to get sick and deteriorate with these changes, but it won't come out of DWP budget. Somebody else's problem. The NHS will pick up the pieces, won't it? Never mind that NHS funding is being squeezed tighter and tighter, for the DWP it's somebody else's problem.
Edited to add:
I was suspicious when the Department of Social Security became the Department of Work and Pensions. Now it really does look like they don't want to deal with anything that isn't strictly "work" or "pensions".
Social Security really is disappearing.
In case you're unfamiliar with the concept, "An S.E.P or 'Somebody Else's Problem field' is a cheap, easy, and staggeringly useful way of safely protecting something from unwanted eyes. It can run almost indefinitely on a flashlight battery, and is able to do so because it utilizes a person's natural tendency to ignore things they don't easily accept... Any problems which may present itself to a person inside an S.E.P will become Somebody Else's.": http://hitchhikers.wikia.com/wiki/Somebody_Else%27s_Problem_field
So it looks like Miller, Freud, IDS etc are placing a "somebody else's problem" field around disabled people.
Access to Work, funded through the DWP, is now restricted, so specialist versions of things that an employer would normally provide for staff are no longer funded, even if a specialist bit of kit for a disabled person is significantly more expensive than the standard version. DWP don't want it coming out of their budget, it's somebody else's problem.
Telephones are provided by employers. So deaf people that use minicoms are now expected to have these funded by their employers. A minicom requires an analogue phone line. Many offices now use digital phone lines. So a deaf employee needs a phone costing around £300, and a dedicated phone line costing around £15 a month. The point of Access to Work was so employers wouldn't think of meeting access needs of disabled staff as a financial burden. Oh well, for the DWP it's somebody else's problem if fewer disabled staff are employed.
Mobility payments from DLA were to be removed from people in residential care, because care homes were thought to provide transportation. When it became clear this was poorly thought through, and many people would lose all independence, this policy was changed. It was to be somebody else's problem.
People with restricted mobility get DLA to try and remove barriers linked to poor access, but we have laws to make shops accessible now, don't we? Removing barriers via DLA is no longer the DWP's issue It's somebody else's problem.
Personal care tasks that are currently used to assess eligibility for DLA will no longer count in PIP, presumably because local councils are supposed to provide help with care (or direct payments so people can employ their own personal assistance). Never mind that councils can't afford to provide care for anyone other than the most desperately ill. That money won't come out of DWP budget, it's somebody else's problem.
The Independent Living Fund has been closed to new people, without any replacement being provided. It was intended to make sure people with the most complex care needs that would otherwise be in residential care, had those met in order to live independently. Presumably the DWP thinks local councils should be providing this funding, whatever the reasoning, by removing that support they've clearly labelled it "somebody else's problem."
People are going to get sick and deteriorate with these changes, but it won't come out of DWP budget. Somebody else's problem. The NHS will pick up the pieces, won't it? Never mind that NHS funding is being squeezed tighter and tighter, for the DWP it's somebody else's problem.
Edited to add:
I was suspicious when the Department of Social Security became the Department of Work and Pensions. Now it really does look like they don't want to deal with anything that isn't strictly "work" or "pensions".
Social Security really is disappearing.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
MPs that think people with Cancer need to get up the Jobcentre & stop being idle
Adams, Nigel
Afriyie, Adam
Aldous, Peter
Alexander, rh Danny
Amess, Mr David
Andrew, Stuart
Arbuthnot, rh Mr James
Bacon, Mr Richard
Baker, Norman
Baker, Steve
Baldry, Tony
Baldwin, Harriett
Barclay, Stephen
Barker, Gregory
Baron, Mr John
Barwell, Gavin
Bebb, Guto
Beith, rh Sir Alan
Benyon, Richard
Beresford, Sir Paul
Bingham, Andrew
Binley, Mr Brian
Birtwistle, Gordon
Blackman, Bob
Blackwood, Nicola
Boles, Nick
Bone, Mr Peter
Bottomley, Sir Peter
Bradley, Karen
Brady, Mr Graham
Brake, rh Tom
Bray, Angie
Brazier, Mr Julian
Bridgen, Andrew
Brine, Steve
Brokenshire, James
Brooke, Annette
Browne, Mr Jeremy
Bruce, Fiona
Bruce, rh Malcolm
Buckland, Mr Robert
Burley, Mr Aidan
Burns, Conor
Burns, rh Mr Simon
Burrowes, Mr David
Burstow, Paul
Burt, Lorely
Byles, Dan
Cable, rh Vince
Cairns, Alun
Cameron, rh Mr David
Campbell, rh Sir Menzies
Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair
Carmichael, Neil
Carswell, Mr Douglas
Cash, Mr William
Chishti, Rehman
Clappison, Mr James
Clark, rh Greg
Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth
Clegg, rh Mr Nick
Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey
Coffey, Dr Thérèse
Collins, Damian
Colvile, Oliver
Cox, Mr Geoffrey
Crabb, Stephen
Crouch, Tracey
Davey, Mr Edward
Davies, David T. C. (Monmouth)
Davies, Glyn
Davies, Philip
Davis, rh Mr David
de Bois, Nick
Dinenage, Caroline
Djanogly, Mr Jonathan
Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen
Dorries, Nadine
Doyle-Price, Jackie
Drax, Richard
Duddridge, James
Duncan, rh Mr Alan
Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain
Dunne, Mr Philip
Ellis, Michael
Ellison, Jane
Ellwood, Mr Tobias
Elphicke, Charlie
Eustice, George
Evans, Graham
Evans, Jonathan
Evennett, Mr David
Fabricant, Michael
Fallon, Michael
Farron, Tim
Featherstone, Lynne
Field, Mark
Foster, rh Mr Don
Fox, rh Dr Liam
Francois, rh Mr Mark
Freeman, George
Freer, Mike
Fullbrook, Lorraine
Fuller, Richard
Gale, Sir Roger
Garnier, Mark
Gauke, Mr David
Gibb, Mr Nick
Gilbert, Stephen
Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl
Glen, John
Goldsmith, Zac
Goodwill, Mr Robert
Gove, rh Michael
Graham, Richard
Grant, Mrs Helen
Grayling, rh Chris
Green, Damian
Greening, rh Justine
Grieve, rh Mr Dominic
Griffiths, Andrew
Gummer, Ben
Gyimah, Mr Sam
Halfon, Robert
Hames, Duncan
Hammond, rh Mr Philip
Hammond, Stephen
Hancock, Matthew
Hands, Greg
Harper, Mr Mark
Harrington, Richard
Harris, Rebecca
Hart, Simon
Harvey, Nick
Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan
Hayes, Mr John
Heald, Oliver
Heath, Mr David
Heaton-Harris, Chris
Hemming, John
Henderson, Gordon
Hendry, Charles
Hinds, Damian
Hoban, Mr Mark
Hollingbery, George
Hollobone, Mr Philip
Holloway, Mr Adam
Hopkins, Kris
Horwood, Martin
Howell, John
Hughes, rh Simon
Huhne, rh Chris
Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy
Huppert, Dr Julian
Hurd, Mr Nick
Jackson, Mr Stewart
James, Margot
Javid, Sajid
Jenkin, Mr Bernard
Johnson, Gareth
Johnson, Joseph
Jones, Andrew
Jones, Mr David
Jones, Mr Marcus
Kawczynski, Daniel
Kelly, Chris
Kirby, Simon
Knight, rh Mr Greg
Kwarteng, Kwasi
Laing, Mrs Eleanor
Lamb, Norman
Lancaster, Mark
Lansley, rh Mr Andrew
Latham, Pauline
Laws, rh Mr David
Lee, Jessica
Lee, Dr Phillip
Lefroy, Jeremy
Leigh, Mr Edward
Leslie, Charlotte
Letwin, rh Mr Oliver
Lewis, Brandon
Lewis, Dr Julian
Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian
Lilley, rh Mr Peter
Lloyd, Stephen
Lopresti, Jack
Lord, Jonathan
Luff, Peter
Lumley, Karen
Macleod, Mary
Main, Mrs Anne
May, rh Mrs Theresa
Maynard, Paul
McCartney, Karl
McIntosh, Miss Anne
McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick
McPartland, Stephen
McVey, Esther
Mensch, Louise
Menzies, Mark
Mercer, Patrick
Metcalfe, Stephen
Miller, Maria
Milton, Anne
Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew
Mordaunt, Penny
Morgan, Nicky
Morris, Anne Marie
Morris, David
Morris, James
Mosley, Stephen
Mowat, David
Mundell, rh David
Munt, Tessa
Murray, Sheryll
Murrison, Dr Andrew
Neill, Robert
Newmark, Mr Brooks
Newton, Sarah
Nokes, Caroline
Norman, Jesse
Nuttall, Mr David
O'Brien, Mr Stephen
Offord, Mr Matthew
Ollerenshaw, Eric
Opperman, Guy
Osborne, rh Mr George
Ottaway, Richard
Paice, rh Mr James
Parish, Neil
Patel, Priti
Pawsey, Mark
Penning, Mike
Penrose, John
Percy, Andrew
Perry, Claire
Phillips, Stephen
Pickles, rh Mr Eric
Pincher, Christopher
Poulter, Dr Daniel
Prisk, Mr Mark
Pritchard, Mark
Pugh, John
Raab, Mr Dominic
Randall, rh Mr John
Reckless, Mark
Redwood, rh Mr John
Rees-Mogg, Jacob
Reevell, Simon
Robathan, rh Mr Andrew
Robertson, Hugh
Rogerson, Dan
Rosindell, Andrew
Rudd, Amber
Ruffley, Mr David
Rutley, David
Sandys, Laura
Scott, Mr Lee
Selous, Andrew
Shapps, rh Grant
Sharma, Alok
Shepherd, Mr Richard
Simmonds, Mark
Simpson, Mr Keith
Skidmore, Chris
Smith, Miss Chloe
Smith, Henry
Smith, Julian
Smith, Sir Robert
Soames, rh Nicholas
Soubry, Anna
Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline
Spencer, Mr Mark
Stephenson, Andrew
Stevenson, John
Stewart, Bob
Stewart, Iain
Stewart, Rory
Streeter, Mr Gary
Stride, Mel
Stunell, Andrew
Sturdy, Julian
Swayne, rh Mr Desmond
Swinson, Jo
Swire, rh Mr Hugo
Syms, Mr Robert
Tapsell, rh Sir Peter
Thurso, John
Timpson, Mr Edward
Tomlinson, Justin
Tredinnick, David
Truss, Elizabeth
Turner, Mr Andrew
Tyrie, Mr Andrew
Uppal, Paul
Vaizey, Mr Edward
Vara, Mr Shailesh
Vickers, Martin
Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa
Walker, Mr Charles
Walker, Mr Robin
Wallace, Mr Ben
Walter, Mr Robert
Ward, Mr David
Watkinson, Angela
Weatherley, Mike
Webb, Steve
Wharton, James
Wheeler, Heather
White, Chris
Whittaker, Craig
Wiggin, Bill
Willetts, rh Mr David
Williams, Mr Mark
Williams, Roger
Williams, Stephen
Williamson, Gavin
Willott, Jenny
Wilson, Mr Rob
Wollaston, Dr Sarah
Wright, Simon
Young, rh Sir George
Zahawi, Nadhim
From Hansard: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/c_06.htm
An open letter to Maria Miller
Dear Maria Miller,
I hear you saying that you've met with disabled people's organisations, and disabled people, and that they agree with your welfare reforms.
Here's the list of organisations you've met with, thanks to an FOI request by Disabled People against the Cuts:
1. Action for ME;
2. Action for Blind People
3. Action on Hearing Loss;
4. CALL Scotland;
5. Capability Scotland;
6. Citizens Advice
7. Centre for Mental Health;
8. Child Poverty Action Group;
9. Crohn’s and Colitis UK;
10. DIAL Peterborough;
11. Disability Action In Islington;
12. Disability Alliance;
13. Disability Lambeth;
14. Down’s Syndrome Association;
15. Dystonia Society;
16. Ecas;
17. Enfield Disability Association;
18. Essex Coalition of Disabled People;
19. Family Action;
20. Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living;
21. Hackney Carers;
22. Hayfield Support Services with Deaf People;
23. Headway Glasgow;
24. Haemaphilia Society;
25. Inclusion Scotland;
26. Independent Living in Scotland Project;
27. Leonard Cheshire Disability;
28. Limbless Association;
29. Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living;
30. Macmillan;
31. Margaret Blackwood Housing Association;
32. Mencap;
33. Middlesborough Welfare Rights Unit;
34. MS Society;
35. Mind;
36. Momentum Scotland;
37. National AIDS Trust;
38. National Autistic Society;
39. National Deaf Children’s Society;
40. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society;
41. National Federation of the Blind;
42. Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People;
43. Parkinson’s UK;
44. Papworth Trust;
45. People First;
46. Poverty Alliance;
47. Quarriers;
48. Royal National Institute of Blind People;
49. Scottish Association for Mental Health;
50. Scope.
Courtesy of: http://www.dpac.uk.net/2012/02/so-we-all-wanted-to-know-who-miller-and-the-slash-and-burn-gang-were-talking-to/
Of that list, the following organisations publicly do not approve of your reforms, having real concerns for how disabled people will fare if the reforms go through as planned.
Mencap: "Mencap’s chief executive, Mark Goldring, said: “We are extremely
disappointed by the government's rejection of the Lord’s amendments, and
failure to listen to the concerns of disabled people and their
families."
The RNIB: "This report adds to a growing evidence base that shows the Government
cannot follow through on its Big Society agenda and its commitment to
give disabled people control and independence by stripping away the very
benefits and services that enable them to take part in our communities"
Mind: "we are still very worried about the impact the introduction of the new
assessment will have on people with mental health problems." "we remain unconvinced that the breadth and detail of activities to be
considered is sufficient to properly capture the barriers to
participation faced by people with mental health problems"
The National Autistic Society: "We are concerned about how the assessment will work for the new benefit, as well as about proposals for regular re-assessments."
Scope: "Scope warns that the government is in danger of repeating mistakes with its new benefit assessment.
The charity says that up to two million disabled people risk losing
essential financial support because the new £6 billion Personal
Independence Payment, introduced to replace Disability Living Allowance
(DLA), will use a flawed eligibility assessment."
Leonard Cheshire: "There have been some positive changes agreed in the Lords, but
as the plans stand there are still real fears that many thousands of
disabled people will be pushed into poverty and financial hardship if
they are found ineligible for support through the new Personal
Independence Payment"
The National AIDS Trust: "NAT does not consider the proposed functional assessment a more accurate method for identifying disability-related needs than the existing DLA assessment" "NAT is extremely concerned that the reform process is being driven by a pre-determined 20% budget cut" "The decision to focus PIP on those with ‘greatest needs’ is also a move away from the principles of DLA"
Capability Scotland: "These amendments could be the difference between
a family being able to heat their home and put food on the table
and complete financial devastation. Unfortunately the UK
Government does not have a great track record on listening when it
comes to Welfare Reform"
Joint response from Centre for Mental Health, Hafal,
Mind, Rethink, The Royal College
of Psychiatrists and the Scottish Association for Mental Health: "We do not support
the objective of an overall reduction target for the basis of DLA reform – the
reform should be based on supporting disabled people to lead fulfilling lives
and not primarily concerned with reducing costs."
"We are concerned about the focus on those with
‘greatest need’ – this may be counterproductive and significantly disadvantage
those eligible to lower rates of benefit, who may still have high disability
costs."
Citizens Advice: "A benefits cap is just one of a number of welfare reforms that
will have a disproportionate impact on some of the most vulnerable
families, including children, breadwinners who have lost their job, and
others forced to give up work because of illness The government is right
to try and simplify a benefits system which is far too complex, but
unless some safeguards are put in place the combined impact of these
sweeping welfare reforms and huge cuts will be catastrophic for a lot of
families already stretched to the limit."
In addition, along with the Papworth Trust, these organisations have
called for a pause to the Bill because their concerns are so severe:
Papworth Trust
Action on Hearing Loss
Brandon Trust
Campaign for a Fair Society
Disability Rights UK
Disability Wales
Ekklesia
Leonard Cheshire Disability
MS Society
The National Autistic Society
Rethink Mental Illness
RNIB
Sense
Three Cs
United Response
The Westminster Society
Action on Hearing Loss
Brandon Trust
Campaign for a Fair Society
Disability Rights UK
Disability Wales
Ekklesia
Leonard Cheshire Disability
MS Society
The National Autistic Society
Rethink Mental Illness
RNIB
Sense
Three Cs
United Response
The Westminster Society
So Ms Miller, I would like to know which organisations do approve of your reforms?
Would you please stand up and name them?
Yours sincerely
Robin
Edited 09/02/12
More evidence from organisations who have expressed concern at potential effects of Welfare Reform Bill:
Breast Cancer Care "Breast Cancer Care, along with other cancer charities, met with Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People and DWP officials in July, to discuss the changes we wanted to make to the Welfare Reform Bill for the benefit of cancer patients. We provided case studies of people with breast cancer to the Minister’s office to demonstrate the possible negative impact of the changes if they go ahead."
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/campaigning-volunteering/campaigning/current-campaigns/welfare-benefits/what-have-we-done-so-far
Edited 09/02/12
More evidence from organisations who have expressed concern at potential effects of Welfare Reform Bill:
Breast Cancer Care "Breast Cancer Care, along with other cancer charities, met with Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People and DWP officials in July, to discuss the changes we wanted to make to the Welfare Reform Bill for the benefit of cancer patients. We provided case studies of people with breast cancer to the Minister’s office to demonstrate the possible negative impact of the changes if they go ahead."
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/campaigning-volunteering/campaigning/current-campaigns/welfare-benefits/what-have-we-done-so-far
MS Society "The MS Society, along with other major charities, have today urged the
Government to pause the Welfare Reform Bill and carefully consider the
future of Disability Living Allowance"
http://www.mssociety.org.uk/ms-news/2012/01/major-charities-call-pause-on-welfare-reform-bill
Sense "Sense is deeply concerned the Government’s decision to get rid of the automatic entitlement to DLA mobility component for deafblind people will leave many out in the cold and the needless bureaucracywill create confusion and cost the tax payer more. The Government’s short sighted focus on disabled people with solely higher needs means preventative support will be slashed. This financially irrational approach is not sustainable and will cut many deafblind people off from participating in society"
http://www.sense.org.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2010/dla_consultation_response
http://www.mssociety.org.uk/ms-news/2012/01/major-charities-call-pause-on-welfare-reform-bill
Sense "Sense is deeply concerned the Government’s decision to get rid of the automatic entitlement to DLA mobility component for deafblind people will leave many out in the cold and the needless bureaucracywill create confusion and cost the tax payer more. The Government’s short sighted focus on disabled people with solely higher needs means preventative support will be slashed. This financially irrational approach is not sustainable and will cut many deafblind people off from participating in society"
http://www.sense.org.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2010/dla_consultation_response
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)