Disability Rights UK run a great email newsletter – here’s their latest round-up of news stories from around the UK:
Family of Jodey Whiting seeks fresh inquest into her death to examine role played by DWP
The family of Jodey Whiting, who died after her benefits were stopped, has written to the Attorney General to request his consent to apply to the High Court for a fresh inquest into her death to examine the role played by the DWP. Jodey was a vulnerable woman with multiple physical and mental health illnesses which left her house-bound and requiring 23 tablets per day. She was entirely reliant on welfare benefits. She killed herself after the DWP suspended her benefits because she missed a work capability assessment. More here: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/2020/january/family-jodey-whiting-seeks-fresh-inquest-her-death-examine-role-played-dwp
Council’s personal budget capping wrong – Ombudsman
A council wrongly reduced a disabled man’s personal budget by capping respite payments at the equivalent cost of residential care, despite this being an unsuitable way of meeting his needs, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found. His parents had no option but to top up payments for carers so that the respite could be provided in the family home, after the man, who has severe learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder, had gone 16 months without respite because of a failure to agree the amount between Sefton Council and the family. More here: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/2020/january/council%E2%80%99s-personal-budget-capping-wrong-ombudsman
Over 100,000 DLA claimants lose Motability vehicles after PIP reassessment
Around 102,000 DLA claimants have lost their Motability vehicles after PIP reassessment. Ken Butler DRUK’s Welfare Rights Advice and Policy Officer said: “The numbers that have lost their Motability vehicles claiming PIP is a scandal. But the true picture of despair caused by PIP is even more shocking given that only a third of DLA claimants used their mobility award to take part in the Motability Scheme. So, at least a further 204,000 disabled people will have lost vital support, making it harder for many to access work, leisure and other independent living opportunities.” More here: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/2020/january/over-100000-dla-claimants-lose-motability-vehicles-after-pip-reassessment
