Brown envelopes, government lies, sour tastes in mouths, new jobs and DLA

A few weeks ago I started work and as so had to inform the DLA of a 'change in circumstances'. Within a few weeks the dreaded brown envelope met me as I crossed the threshold into my flat. Timidly opening this document of doom I read the words and knew they wanted to review my DLA claim.

On informing Blackpool, I had made it clear that the job was only three-days per week; I told them I wasn't even sure I'd manage this over a longer term, and was testing the water week by week. It was also explained that my conditions hadn't changed since the last review some six-years ago; indeed, some of my conditions had worsened with age; and my care needs would be greater as a result of my working.

So much for the government's insistence that they want to get disabled people into work and will give them all the support they need.

Anyway, after receiving the review the whole thing left a sour taste in my mouth. It even took the sparkle off the new job I was really enjoying (and at heart still am).

So, I did what you do in these situations; I sat down, read the form, over and over; and, began to answer each question ensuring the smallest detail was covered.

Proof-reading the finished article I realised how much of my personal life was poured into those pages; just how much of my soul was bared in order to keep hold of a benefit. I wasn't trying to win a competition for a trip on a luxury cruiser; nor was I expecting to succeed in the lottery. No, I was putting my dignity and pride on hold in order that I could retain a benefit that doesn't even pull me up to the level of most non-disabled people in being able to live a 'normal' life.

What do I get out of DLA? The Mobility Component is swallowed up by a Motability car (plus a hefty downpayment); the Care Component used to be wholly subsumed into my care package (plus an extra £18 per week), now props up my laundry and heating bills, as well as those highly-priced disability extras, the ones that don't attract 20% VAT but seem to cost four or five times their non-disability equivalent.

Does anyone really materially gain from DLA? Most people I know either get by on this benefit or it goes some way to helping them get by. The idea that people on DLA are pulling a fast one; that they're somehow gaining an advantage over the rest of society is both risible and insulting.

As for the outcome, I pleased to say that my entitlement remains unchanged - well, until they tear me apart body and soul when I apply for PIP!

Hardest Hit Saturday - 22 October 201

I Attending the Hardest Hit event today in London. Our venue was the amphitheater adjoining the iconic GLA building on the Thames, near Tower Bridge. Though being in the 'pit' of the amphitheater it in no way felt like a 'lions versus Christians' event.

The day was bright and sunny; and, as though divined by architects, the surrounding glass buildings reflected the sun down, thus warming us against a chill wind gently whipping us from the river.

There was a good turnout, around 350, as I was informed. Forgive me for not recalling the names of all the speakers, there were about eight or nine in all - three of whom were politicians. Kirsten Hearn, Chair of Inclusion London, MC'd the event. Chivvying us along by urging us to chant a few, by now standard, slogans - so standard indeed, that I've forgotten the words. But reader, you'll guess the kind of thing: "No ifs, no buts, no benefits' cuts!"...

Sadly, the message from most speakers was the same as that on March 26^th, May 11^th and at the scores of cuts rallies, pickets and protests I've attended since this mob came into government 17 months ago.

My contribution was well received. First of all I delivered a message from Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary; he'd sent a message of support from the TUC's General Council to all the cities that held events today.

Continuing from this I assured the crowd that the trade union movement was, as it proved in both March and May, 100% behind the Hardest Hit and campaigning against cuts in benefits and services for disabled people.

Remembering where I was I sent a message of warning to Mayor Johnson; telling him we were on his lawn and if necessary would be back on it again to protest against his party's vicious cuts if things didn't change.

The remainder of my speech touched on various areas of the cuts. At the end of the speech I gave a plug to the excellent document by Demos 'Coping with the Cuts, 2011', a title laced with irony, I hope! Incidentally, I'd recommend this to my reader; follow this link from Scope:

http://www.scope.org.uk/help-and-information/publications/coping-cuts-2011

Hardest Hit Event 22 October 2011

London

Saturday 22 October, 2011
Rally 11am – 1pm
Outside the GLA Building (City Hall), Queen’s Walk

Disabled people in London, along with their families and friends, are taking to the streets in London to protest against Government cuts to disability benefits and services.  Join us and help to make sure all our voices are heard.

The rally is taking place outside London’s iconic GLA building (City Hall) on Queen’s Walk.  There will be music from Dartford band Rush Hour who will be keeping us entertained from 11am, with speeches from 11.45 plus the opportunity for you to make your voice heard.  We plan to have a range of speakers who will keep us informed and entertained.  Confirmed so far is Chair of Inclusion London, Kirsten Hearn, who will share her views on the proposed changes and Cllr Darren Johnson AM.  There will also be the chance to hear the experiences of local people talking about what the proposed cuts to benefits and services will mean to them as disabled people trying to live independent and fulfilling lives.  If you would like to be one of those having your voice heard there will be a chance on the day for you to tell us what the changes mean to you.

For a detailed map of the area, including public transport links click here.  The nearest tube is London Bridge which is served by the Jubilee and Northern lines.  If you would like help in planning your journey then the Transport for London website has a journey planner that covers all public transport options: www.journeyplanner.org.  Details about the accessibility of different types of public transport can be found here.  There are limited opportunities for parking in central London.  For details of where to park and how the blue badge scheme operates in Westminster click here. 

This gives advice on the different parking regulations in force and has a link to the Blue Badge London website that has a searchable list of the parking available.

As new speakers and contributors are confirmed we will be adding them to this page, so do keep an eye out for any changes.  Please also help us spread the word about Hardest Hit.  London is one of many cities across the South East that have been severely affected by budget cuts.  Across the region people are seeing deep cuts in services such as social care and transport, which they rely on to remain independent.  Please come along, and bring as many friends and family as you can.  Help us to send a clear message to the Government: stop these cuts.

To register your interest in the rally please email: london@hardesthit.org.ukor call 020 8522 7433

Lambeth Pan Disability Forum Thursday 6 October 2011

Lambeth Pan Disability Forum Thursday 6 October 2011

Hello Everyone


The Lambeth Pan-Disability Forum will be meeting next on Thursday 6 Octobern between 2.30 pm and 4 pm. Our meeting will take place, as usual, on the 1st Floor of 336 Brixton Road, SW9 7AA (the Lambeth Accord building).


We'll be discussing issues around the cuts as well as TaxiCard and Care provision. So, please come along and have your say.


Thanks


Seán

Remploy Open Meeting

Dear Comrade

The Remploy London Union Reps would like to invite you to an open meeting to discuss the findings of the Sayce Review on Supported Employment and its implications for Remploy factories and disabled workers.

Speakers to include, Len McCluskey, Unite GS, Paul Kenny, GMB GS, Kevin Hepworth, Unite Remploy Consortium Officer, Julie Haynes, Unite Remploy Consortium Rep, Mark Holloway, GMB Remploy Consortium Rep. The meeting is taking place on Tuesday 20th September from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm in Unite House, 128 Theobalds Road, Holborn, WC1X 8TN.

http://mt0.google.com/vt/data=bZeqZHWrDiUHwiocUvPX9dNL263E5FUG30MlogJhYdOmBREGy1aZ0kUgssnDLvF3XRPP5Px_HiqXNG1sUsDb9oG15EZohwU_7XN_bXA


Public Transport links:

Buses
The following bus routes serve the Holborn area:
1, 78, 19, 25, 38, 55, 59, 91, 68, 98, 171, 168, 188, 242, 243 & 521

Tube Stations
The following tube stations serve the Holborn area:
Holborn & Russell Square

Railway Stations
The following main line stations are within a short distance of Holborn:
Euston, Kings Cross and St Pancras

Seán McGovern

More Contempt from ATOS Healthcare 'Professionals'!

In the past few days information has come to light of just how contemptuous some ATOS healthcare workers are of the people they're charged with giving independent medical assessments. These assessments, to determine qualification for different levels of benefit, should be carried out both honestly and objectively. Indeed, the quality of a person's future existence hangs on the assessment.

In one case an assessor has been posting her feelings of sick and disabled clients on her Facebook page in Middlesbrough.

This paragon of the caring profession, Debbie Carr, talks about sick and disabled people in terms of: "Oh god another day here with the down and outs arggggg!" Adding: "Well that's the end of my holidays! Back to work tomorrow with the down and outs I suppose..." And: "Thank god it's Friday last day in this god forsaken place with the down and outs!"

Whatever her personal views of people, this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. ATOS is looking into this breach of...ethics?

Another pearl of professionalism from ATOS's jewellery-box of employees is one Richard Treasure (now there's a name to live up to), an administrator for the outfit. Mr Treasure, somewhat of the minimalist school of insults, simply dismisses sick and disabled people as 'parasitic wankers'. Mr Treasure has been reported to NWCAC.