🗣️ Almost two thirds of people in destitution live with a chronic health condition or disability. Cutting people’s eligibility for benefits won't help.

The PM's speech was an irresponsible war of words on people who already aren’t getting enough support.
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi….

DR UK says the PM must stop scapegoating Disabled people for a failing economy!

Today he delivered a scathing attack on so-called ‘sick note culture’ and that life on benefits had become a 'lifestyle choice'

Read our response here:
disabilityrightsuk.org/news/dr-uk-say…

The Prime Minister must know he can’t scare people into good health, but his words this morning will be chilling for low income families up and down the country who rely on our social security system for help.

🫂Latest on carer's allowance: how Davina Ware was forced to pay back nearly £4,000 after calculating her earnings as a monthly income, as she believed the DWP required, rather than a four-weekly cycle.

Ware's husband has had Parkinson's for 20 years.

theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

This is brilliant by Victoria on the reality of trying to work as a disabled person & the contrast with government policy & rhetoric

It made me think about some work I did in 2013 with DWP that really shed light on what they mean when they say someone is 'fit for work'...🧵

❕New blog out this morning!

What I'd like to tell Mel Stride if I could sit down to chat about work 👇
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/what-id-like-t…

My The Guardian story (with Matthew Pearce ): Half a million unpaid carers in the UK looking after frail, ill and disabled loved ones are failing to claim the £4,200-a-year carer’s allowance despite experiencing high levels of poverty, estimates show theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

108 pages of amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill for scrutiny and debate at Report Stage. This should have been done at Committee Stage. Once again the Lords will be required to do the detailed scrutiny

publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill…

“It just so outrageous, really, that they choose to persecute a frail, sick old woman for what to them is a relatively small amount' Carer's fury as DWP forces 92 year old with dementia to repay £7,000 in disability benefits. via Josh Halliday theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

Just added: The 2024 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards are taking place on Friday 5 July ...

Find out more: rightsnet.org.uk/training-and-e…

Nominations close on 22 April: lapg.co.uk/lalys/lalys-20…

Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG) #accesstojustice

We've just added new dates for a series of #welfarebenefits courses from Wolves Council

Find out more: rightsnet.org.uk/training-and-e…

New: Government officials have been accused of using “threatening and cruel” tactics towards unpaid carers by saying they could face even greater financial penalties if they appeal against “vindictive” benefit fines. theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

Don't miss out ... the vacancies we have listed with:

- Scottish Commission on Social Security;
- Luton Irish Forum;
- The Trussell Trust; and
- Royal British Legion

... all have deadlines over the next couple of days.

Find out more: rightsnet.org.uk/jobs

#rightsjobs #accesstojustice

Job vacancies: Independent Age are recruiting for 3 advisers:

- a Housing and Welfare Benefits Specialist;
- a Health, Social Care and Housing Specialist; and
- a Generalist.

More info: rightsnet.org.uk/jobs/advisers-…

#rightsjobs #accesstojustice

It’s clear that there’s real momentum behind change for Carer’s Allowance and to tackle overpayments in particular. We want to see the Secretary of State promise quick action, more investment and positive reform for Carer’s Allowance Mel Stride

Impressive and authoritative Guardian letters on the carer's allowance repayment scandal, including from a judge, and a welfare rights advisor theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

Job vacancy: Tameside Council is recruiting for a Welfare Benefits and Debt Advice Supervisor rightsnet.org.uk/jobs/welfare-b…

#rightsjobs #accesstojustice

Alongside 36 other organisations, we have written to the Home Secretary James Cleverly🇬🇧 urging him to reconsider proposals to fine and imprison people forced to sleep on our streets #CriminalJusticeBill bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…

Carer prosecuted for fraud and forced to pay back £20,000 in carer's allowance overpayments fights to clear his name after DWP acknowledges - six years on - he likely had made an 'innocent mistake'. Utterly enraging story, brilliantly told by Helen Pidd theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

Who are your social welfare law heroes? You have until 22 April to make a #LALY24 nomination. Thanks Doughty Street Chambers for sponsoring this important award lapg.co.uk/wp-content/upl…