Category Archives: disability
Woman told to find work is in a COMA
A mentally ill woman forced on to the Coalition’s Work Programme is in a coma – but is still being sent letters by benefits assessors.
Bipolar patient Sheila Holt, 47, was sectioned in December after being taken off Income Support. Days later she had a heart attack and fell into the coma.
This weekend, Miss Holt, of Rochdale, Gtr Manchester, was sent a letter by Atos to ask why she was not working.
Local Labour MP Simon Danczuk said: “I am in favour of welfare reform but trying to bulldoze through changes in a reckless and insensitive way is not the right way to go about it.
“This Government is causing a huge amount of damage and I have no doubt that Sheila’s story is being repeated in towns and cities up and down the country.
‘Exempt carers from Bedroom Tax’
A LABOUR councillor called for Charnwood Borough Council to treat carers in the same manner as war widows and exempt them from the Spare Room Subsidy known as the Bedroom Tax.
“There are 21 households including a resident carer affected by the Bedroom Tax”
Coun Robert Sharp, deputy leader of the opposition Labour group, told a full council meeting: “There are 21 households including a resident carer affected by the Bedroom Tax. In view of the small numbers could the leader agree to treat carers in the same manner as war widows and exempt them from the Bedroom Tax.”
Coun Jane Hunt, speaking on behalf of Coun Jenny Bokor, who is the lead member for benefits, said the council understands the personal sacrifice made by all those who act as carers. She said that discretionary funds were available to support them but that some of the carers level of income exceeded £670 a week, which would exclude them from accessing the funds.
‘Bedroom tax’ test cases considered
Appeal judges will tomorrow consider several test cases brought by two law firms said to illustrate the “devastating” impact of the regulations up and down the country in social housing.
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