UK Budget 2024: Reflections

UK Budget 2024: Reflections and Impact on Disabled People It has now been some 12 days since the budget announcement by the United Kingdom (UK) Government and Disability Equality Scotland has taken some time to reflect on the announcements made and the support, or implications, for disabled people. Since the budget announcement on 6 March, there have been a number of papers and articles highlighting the specific details contained within the budget and we want to avoid repeating this evaluation work that has already taken place and been published. Of particular – and significant – concern to us is the
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Cost-of-Living and Disabled People: BBC Reporting Scotland (26 February 2024)

Cost-of-Living and Disabled People: BBC Reporting Scotland (26 February 2024) Disability Equality Scotland (DES) members may have seen the short news report yesterday evening on the early evening BBC 1 Reporting Scotland programme. The news piece was based on recent research by Euan’s Guide, which mirrored some of the findings contained within our own research from late in 2023 and can be viewed at: Fact Sheet: Energy Price Cap and Cost of Living – Disability Equality Scotland As the United Kingdom (UK) economy is currently experiencing a consistent cost-of-living crisis, we wanted to know how the rise in energy prices
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Work Capability Assessment: An Update

Work Capability Assessment: An Update In our monthly newsletter circulated last Friday (16 February), we highlighted that Disability Equality Scotland members had given their views on the United Kingdom (UK) Government’s proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). You were clear disabled people strongly opposed these proposals. We were also clear too that we would use what you had told us to oppose these plans and outline the true impact of these on disabled people. We are therefore delighted to be able to update members that Disability Equality Scotland has been invited to attend and present at a meeting
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A Festive Thank You from Disability Equality Scotland!

A Festive Thank You! Dear Members, Access Panels, funders, and partners As we wrap up another year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your invaluable contributions. This year holds special significance as Disability Equality Scotland proudly celebrated our 20th Anniversary as a National Disabled People’s Organisation. Through your active participation, feedback, and engagement, you have propelled the mission of equality and inclusion for disabled people in Scotland. This was recognised at our 20th Anniversary Celebration Event that we hosted in September. We were privileged to welcome Emma Roddick, Minister of Equalities,
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‘Duty’ to Work? Our Response to the Recent Autumn Statement and ‘Back to Work’ Plan

‘Duty’ to Work? Our Response to the Recent Autumn Statement and ‘Back to Work’ Plan Disability Equality Scotland finds the proposed changes to give the Department of Work & Pensions the power to strip people of their social security as immoral, unworkable, and plainly wrong. Disabled people, not Government ministers, have a unique insight into their own lives and capabilities. They are able to contribute to society in a manner that meets these.  Along with their own medical professionals’ input, they are best placed to say whether they are fit for work. Disabled people face daily societal barriers in life
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Joint call for Scottish Government to improve devolved older age disability payment

Joint call for Scottish Government to improve devolved older age disability payment A coalition of 15 national charities and organisations coordinated by Age Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to improve their plans for the new Pension Age Disability Payment by including extra mobility and travel support for recipients. They believe that it would make the system fairer and offer disabled older people a better quality of life. This extra support, called a mobility component, is available to younger people and people below State Pension age in receipt of disability linked social security such as Personal Independence Payment and
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Vehicle Tax Exemption Research Highlights Areas for Improvement

Vehicle Tax Exemption Research Highlights Areas for Improvement In September we asked members about their experience of applying or renewing their disabled persons vehicle tax exemption or reduction. Under current rules if someone receives the enhanced mobility component of Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment then they can apply for free vehicle tax. Where someone gets the standard mobility component there is a 50% reduction. If someone has a Motability car this is typically applied automatically. The key findings from our poll were: 75% of our members had heard of the Vehicle Tax Exemption scheme for disabled people, whereas
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Grow Your Communication Skills with Disability Equality Scotland’s Training Courses!

Grow Your Communication Skills with Disability Equality Scotland’s Training Courses! Are you looking to enhance your skills and make a positive impact on accessibility and inclusivity? Disability Equality Scotland is excited to deliver two training courses designed to empower individuals and organisations alike. Whether you’re an individual seeking personal growth or a business aiming to make your content more accessible, our courses can help you achieve your goals. Easy Read Training Do you want to create documents that are easily understood by everyone? Our Easy Read training course is here to help you do just that! In this course, you’ll
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Work Capability Assessment: Activities and Descriptors Consultation Survey

Work Capability Assessment: Activities and Descriptors Consultation Survey The United Kingdom Government are running a consultation on the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) as they have proposals to change how it works. The WCA is an assessment carried out for both Universal Credit (UC)  and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA.)  The results of the WCA are used by the Department for Work and Pensions to determine who can and cannot work due to their disability or health conditions and whether or not someone qualifies to receive ESA or the Health Component of UC. The  UK Governments proposed changes  cover specific activities
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News: Disability Equality Scotland’s Response to Programme for Government Announcement

News: Disability Equality Scotland’s Response to Programme for Government Announcement Disability Equality Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to disabled people and disabled peoples’ organisations through the Programme for Government for 2023/2024. The re-opening of the Independent Living Fund Scotland in 2024 is very welcomed.  This was a recommendation for the Independent Review of Adult Social Care, a long-standing commitment of our government and consistently requested by disabled people’s organisations across Scotland. We also welcome the commitment of the Government to continue to work closely with disabled people’s organisations to enable the Immediate Priorities Plan to be finalised and action
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