The Department for Work and Pensions has just announced the 10 private companies on the shortlist to deliver the personal independence payment (PIP) assessments, which everyone receiving disability living allowance will have to undergo from next year when DLA is replaced by PIPs. With 3.2 million captive customers, not to mention a monopoly on all new claimants, it’s not hard to see the appeal of the contract for profit-hungry companies untroubled by the ethics of slashing 20% from the money provided to disabled people to help them meet some of the basic expenses that living with a disability inevitably incurs.
How can it be right to profit from disability?
Disability living allowance is being replaced with personal independence payment assessments, and private companies are queueing up to cash in
Atos has been shortlisted for the PIP contract, despite being criticised for its handling of work capability assessments.
Fears redesign for Norfolk’s services for carers leaves future of small grants scheme in doubt
Existing carers’ group have now been told they will only be able to apply for £150
Kim Briscoe Tuesday, May 1, 2012
5.50 PM
Grassroots carers’ groups across Norfolk fear the future of a small grants scheme which is a lifeline for them and the people they look after has been thrown into doubt.
The small grants, of £300 for existing carers’ groups or £500 for new groups, are normally dished out as part of a £30,000 annual pot given by Norfolk County Council to the Norfolk and District Carers’ Forum.
Norwich diabetic heads to parliament with type one diabetes charity JDRF
Raising the issue of why insulin pumps are not more available to people with type one diabetes
Kim Briscoe Tuesday, May 1, 2012
6.30 AM
A Norwich diabetic has helped to educate MPs about type one diabetes as part of a landmark lobby group.
Amy Turner travelled to the Houses of Parliament with other supporters of the charity JDRF, which raises funds for research into type one diabetes.
The 29-year-old, who lives off Elm Hill, said wanted to help raise awareness of the condition among MPs and to encourage them to take action to increase funding into medical research into type one diabetes.
She said: “We definitely got our point across, made quite a lot of noise and raised the profile of the condition.
