This week, our Community Manager has been looking at some of the recent disability news, we hope this will become a regular feature for our subscribers, If there is anything you’d like to see please let us know!
Turn around on ticket kiosks closing
This year saw the threat of train ticket kiosks across the country being closed. After a lot of publicity and campaigning from the disability community, authorities took a U turn on their decision leaving the kiosks open nationwide. Giving the disabled community one less thing on their list to struggle with in daily life for the time being.
Work Capability Assessments scraped
Government released their white disability paper, in which they condemned the work capability assessment and want scrapped. In it’s place they want to introduce an assessment based on what work claimants can do. Will this cause more disabled and chronically people to be forced into work they can’t maintain? is the worry now facing the disabled community.
Atos contract terminated
Atos who has been given the contract for assessing benefits claimants have had it terminated. This came after an investigation into deaths of claimants after their assessments. The deaths were found to have been preventable had the assessments been conducted correctly by trained staff. New bidders have been awarded the contracts for each area nationwide and will take on assessments from September 2024.
Mental Health policing limited
Back in July a national agreement was made to limit how often police respond to incidents involving people experiencing a mental health crisis. The police can now refuse to respond to any calls for mental health unless there is a threat to life/ threat of harm, or a crime is being committed. Metal health services will now have to take on supporting these people. Which is already a service under great pressure and strain. Many believe they can’t fill this gap in support for some of the most vulnerable people. Government said they will increase funding for mental health support nationwide next year in a bid to keep those struggling safe. There is yet to be any evidence to show if the agreement has improved or worsened the situation for those needing help with mental health.
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