13 July 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Cuts driven by costs, not disability needs
Charities including Scope, Disability Alliance and Mind have raised serious concerns that moving claimants from Disability Living Allowance onto new benefit, the Personal Independence Payment, is driven by a pledge to cut 20% from the cost of the benefit, and that the real needs of disabled people are being completely overlooked.
Guardian, online
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jul/12/disability-benefit-test-driven-by-cuts
12/07/11
Government is not listening, says Scope
Richard Hawkes, chief executive of Scope, says that, despite his best efforts to engage with Ministers over welfare and public service reforms, the Government is simply not listening. "What disabled people need at the moment is a minister for disabled people who is really fighting their corner, really understanding the issues that disabled people face, and acting as their champion in government,” he says. “I don't think that's happening at the moment."
Guardian, online
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jul/12/disability-cuts-devastating-consequences-richard-hawkes-scope
12/07/11
Cheques will not be scrapped after all
The banking industry has announced that it will not scrap the use of cheques after all as it would have “serious ramifications, not only for the elderly and most vulnerable in society, but also for small businesses and charities that rely on this payment method," according to Nationwide.
BBC News, online
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14122129
12/07/11
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