In the News

Millions of pounds have been saved due to improvements in the way incapacity and disability benefit entitlements are assessed, spending watchdogs have said. Processing claims more quickly and reducing a backlog of incapacity benefit claims from nearly 300,000 in 2001 to under 40,000 had saved taxpayers £50 million. The backlog is expected to be cleared within six months.

Liverpool Echo - 15th Oct 03

More than 150 able-bodied drivers have received £60 fines for using disabled spaces at a shopping centre. So far, 50 drivers issued with fixed-penalty notices have coughed up the cash. The £60 fine drops to £40 if drivers pay within seven days. Profits will be donated to charities for disabled people.

Leicester Mercury - 3rd Oct 03

More than two thirds of disabled shoppers still find it difficult to get into premises and use services, despite small businesses having less than 12 months before they are legally obliged to ensure such access. "Small improvements will bring great benefits. Businesses will avoid the penalties of failing to make changes and reap the dividends of the £50 billion annual spending power of disabled people." said Bert Massie, chairman of The Disability Rights Commission [now known as the Equality and Human Rights Commission].

Daily Telegraph - 6th Oct 03

A new report, Are We Nearly There Yet?, is remarkable for its insights into what it is like to be a wheelchair-using teenager in a mainstream school. Copies are available from arewenearlythereyet@ btopenworld.com Education

Guardian - 21st Oct 03

Many disabled women have encountered discrimination from health professionals, a report has claimed. The survey published on Wednesday found disabled women in Northern Ireland were less likely to be employed or have formal qualifications than disabled men.

News.bbc.co.uk - 15th Oct 03

DISABLED people are still treated as second-class citizens despite long-running campaigns to eliminate discrimination. Less than 50 per cent of disabled adults have a job and some 2.3 million rely on Incapacity Benefit.

Manchester Evening News - 11th Aug 03