The coalition is signalling it wants to change benefit and societies current “medical approach to disability” to a “social model” towards disability

So far no precise details have been given of changes that could come into effect, however, cost cutting is estimated at a 20% cost saving. Charities estimate the removal of 380,000 claimants from entitlement to DLA.

The changes to this particular benefit system could mean claimants could no longer qualify for financial support or could have mobility components of it taken away from them.

A top disability Lawyer has already publicly warned that the changes could be a breach to the Human Rights Act, due to the effect it would have to claimants quality of life.

It is currently being discussed about proposed changes, particularly concentrating on; Simplification, Assessment and Employment.

Could this mean a Universal credit, work/ personal capability assessments and mandatory employment schemes?

These are not new ideas, these schemes have been running for at least a decade.

However, these proposals are not finalised. The consultations finish on 14^th February 2011

If you would like your views on this matter to be heard, a good contact could be;

The Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, urged people to give their views before the consultation ends on the 14th of February:

She told the BBC: “It’s really important that when people do give their input into the consultation that there is a realism about it.

“We are dealing here with a benefit which as I said is one of the largest benefits that’s paid in the UK and that we need to make sure it’s getting to the people who need it most.”

source; BBC news 8/1/2011

She is the person who has been put forward to voice your opinion in the right place, at the right time.

So, will we be sending her a valentines card about how much we love the changes….?