Experts Say Landmark Judgement Will Stop Benefit System Discriminating Against Disabled

Experts Say Landmark Judgement Will Stop Benefit System Discriminating Against Disabled

 Leading Lawyer Says Court of Appeal Ruling Confirms Government Has to Give Special Provision To Disabled People So That Human Rights Are Not Breached 

Experts at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed a landmark judgement handed down at the Court of Appeal today which they say sets out clear guidance to ensure that disabled people are not discriminated against by the Government’s benefit system.

Three families challenged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (DWP) which stated that local authorities could not provide housing benefit for extra bedrooms needed by four young disabled people who were living in private rented accommodation.

Read more on DPAC’s website

Doctors warn austerity is damaging patients’ health

The Deep End group of GPs, representing 360 doctors in 100 practices, said job losses, welfare reform and cuts to social services were all affecting the health of their patients.

The 100 Deep End group of general practices that serves the most socio-economically deprived areas of the country was set up in 2009. It is backed financially by the Scottish Government.

In a new report, the group says austerity measures are causing increased distress and poverty among their patients, and an increased workload for family doctors.

 

Read more in The Herald, Scotland – at http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/doctors-warn-austerity-is-damaging-patients-health.17595860

Shamed council forced to abandon £50k five-year benefit investigation

Report from the Daily Mail May 2012

Shamed council forced to abandon £50k five-year benefit investigation after admitting evidence against disabled woman, 47, was made up
Shamed council officials have been forced to drop a £50,000 benefit fraud case against a disabled woman – because evidence against her was made up.

Mandy Barratt, 47, said she lived in ‘constant dread and fear’ during a five-year inquiry into allegations that she was claiming benefits illegally.

But her battle with Basildon Borough Council, in Essex, is almost over after the authority halted the prosecution.

Council officers admitted a key whistleblower in the case had been invented by staff.

Read more in the Daily Mail