LAW AND BENEFIT REVIEW
[part of the 'Disability Matters' & 'Law and Benefit Review' Group]
'for all disability issues’
disability.matters@yahoo.co.uk
www.lawandbenefitreview.co.uk
[01285-861752]
REVIEWS, ARTICLES, COMMENT, UPDATES, LEGISLATION, BENEFITS, PENSIONS, CARING, NHS, BILLS WATCH, ETC.
October 2006
[edition 7]
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WELCOME to the seventh edition of our monthly on-line publication and we thank you all for your support. At a time when gas companies and consumers groups are warning of more increased gas prices this winter due to a ’gas squeeze’, food in supermarkets to rise by 10% due to summer heat waves, poor harvest, increases in fuel costs and rises in electricity and gas prices, the virtual collapse of the computer system operated by the NHS, causing patients medical records at some doctors surgeries to be lost, elderly patients in our hospitals not being fed, spy bugs in your dustbin, The Chancellor of the Exchequer grabbing £1 billion in taxation from domestic fuel bills, as millions of households struggle into fuel poverty and a further £1 billion from stamp duty on house sales, at last the October 2006 Law and Benefit Review is here to bring back some happiness into your lives or perhaps not when you have read it !!!
For the first time since the Law and Benefit Review appeared on the internet, we have received a call from outside the UK from a disabled group in Northern France who have contacted us to say how they admire our efforts to inform disabled and elderly people of the problems they all face. The group are from Normandy and includes retired English people who have moved to Northern France to live and they are contemplating a monthly information sheet for their members via a shared internet site and they are now contemplating what information may be passed to them via their own website which is yet to be formed. It is hoped that we may be able to ‘twin’ with this recently formed group who meet once every six months.
We have also received ‘thanks’ from many of you concerning the ‘updates’ that appear each month particularly those on the activities of rural post offices, utility bills, state benefits and insurance and as you will read latter, there is another update on post offices, benefits, gas and insurance again this month. News about cell phones was also appreciated, as many of you have called to say that you have been unaware of the charges for using cell phones whilst on holiday until you arrived back home and received the bills. Well, we may have some more good news for you - see article 23 below.
The London Police Pensioner, a publication for retired Metropolitan Police officers, has run a praising article in their September 2006 edition on ‘Disability Matters’ together with an invite to write an article on disability for their December 2006 issue.
DON’T FORGET - that on September 29 2006, the new Blue Badge amendments to the regulations came into force entitling police, traffic wardens and council employees employed for ’on street’ car parking duties to demand the right to inspect Blue Badges used for the purpose of parking in a public place. These changes have taken four years to implement and fifteen years since the idea of ‘inspection’ was first put forward.
CONTENTS GUIDE FOR OCTOBER 2006
LATEST NEWS FLASHES:
[a] NEW OXYGEN SUPPLIES FROM OCTOBER 1 2006
[b] DISABLED SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT AIRPORTS
[c] HIGH STREET BANK SCAMS
[d] ELECTORAL LISTS UPDATE
[e] TAX FREE INCOME FIGURES
[1] NEWSBYTES
[2] CARE NEWS
[3] ACCESS TO SHIPS
[4] ACCESS TO BUILDINGS REGULATIONS
[5] COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS
[6] RAILCARD INCREASES AND CHANGES
[7] TRAVEL INSURANCE -UPDATE
[8] CARE LOTTERY
[9] SCOTLAND LEADS THE WAY
[10] EQUALITY ACT 2006
[11] STATE BENEFITS
[12] PREMIUM BONDS
[13] COMPUTERS
[14] CIRENCESTER HOSPITAL
[15] POST OFFICES - UPDATE
[16] GAS BILLS INCREASE - AGAIN
[17] STATE BENEFITS GIVEN TO PRISONERS
[18] PUBLIC SECTOR DUTY
[19] BUYERS PROTECTION
[20] HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE CAN THE UK ABSORB?
[21] SERVICE CALL -UPDATE
[22] UN DISABILITY TREATY
[23] REDUCED CELL PHONE CHARGES FOR GOOD
[24] BRITISH GAS PRICE INCREASES - YES AND NO
[25] INDEPENDENT LIVING FUND INCREASES
MOTORING NEWS
[A] BLUE BADGE NEWS
[B] HOSPITAL DISABLED DRIVERS PARKING SPACES
[C] INSURANCE RIGHT OFFS
[D] UNIVERSAL PARKING POLICIES
[E] HIGHWAYS
[F] NEW MOTORING GUIDE
[G] NEW DROPPED KERBS IN CHELTENHAM
[H] TRAFFIC NEWS
[I] DRIVING ABROAD
[J] NEW CHILD SEATS IN VEHICLES
EURO-NEWS
[1] WHEELCHAIR VEHICLE COSTS TO INCREASE
[2] GUIDE DOGS IN EUROPE
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS
DECEMBER 3 2006
www.un.org
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PEOPLE
OCTOBER 1 2006
www.helptheaged.com
COMMISSIONING OF ADULT SERVICES
OCTOBER 3 2006
www.laingbuisson.co.uk
NEWS FLASHES:
[a] OXYGEN SUPPLIES UPDATE: As many of you out there in the Cotswolds and South West areas of the UK will know and have experienced, there have been considerably problems with life saving oxygen deliveries by Air Products since the government introduced the new service for bottled oxygen in February 2006. Air Products will no longer be employed in the south west region to delivery supplies but will still be operating in other parts of the country.
As from October 1 2006, BOC [British Oxygen] will be taking over the contract to deliver the home oxygen service in the South West and other regions. So far no specific details have been released insofar as contact numbers are concerned but we expect further details to become available shortly. If they arrive before this issue goes on-line then of course you will be notified.
Disability Matters has taken a leading part in bringing to the notice of the Cotswold and Vale NHS Care Trust and local Members of Parliament the appalling service that many people reliant on oxygen supplies have experienced since February 2006. We would now like to thank Nicky Maze of the Cotswold and Vale Trust and Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP for the speed and manner in which they both dealt with our and others complaints.
Disability Matters has suggested to the hospital trust that a limited supply of oxygen cylinders will be kept at one of the previous oxygen suppliers in Cirencester for cases of emergency, operating on the former system whereby patients obtain a prescription from their GP and present it at an oxygen dispensing pharmacy for their oxygen. It has been found in recent weeks that late deliveries of oxygen resulted in hunts for bottles of oxygen in Cirencester and elsewhere but none could be found due to the changes in supply system. Hopefully this may be rectified as it is totally unacceptable that this life saving equipment is not easily obtainable in emergencies without resorting to calling an ambulance or attending at A & E hospital department.
[b] AIRPORT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE: Recent events at UK airports has caused new security arrangements to be put into place for all travellers with additional restrictions for the disabled. Some restrictions have been lifted but remember they could be re-imposed at any time including when you are out of the UK with a return journey to contemplate.
The restrictions on hand-luggage still stands as on September 10 2006. One [1] item of carry-on luggage measuring 45 cm x 35 cm x 16 cm may be taken into the cabin OR a handbag OR briefcase with a laptop inside OR a small carry-on suitcase no larger than the measurements above. On September 17 an announcement was made that the size of 45 cm x 35 cm x 16 cm could be increased shortly so check with the airline/airport. No combination will be permitted - its one or other of the four items otherwise the piece of luggage will be placed in the hold.
You may also take push wheelchairs and walking aids, prescription medicine with evidence of authentication if in liquid form which you may be asked to taste, diabetic kit, contact lenses but no cleaning solution in bottles.
Wheelchairs belonging to travellers will not be permitted any further than the check-in desk where it will be taken away for a security check and taken to the aircraft and placed in the hold. You will use a wheelchair or other conveyance supplied by the airport authorities to be taken to the aircraft. This service requires AT LEAST 24 HOURS NOTICE for a wheelchair to be made available for you so telephone the airport or airline to make arrangements otherwise you may not be able to travel. NO wheelchairs or small scooters with any kind of battery are no longer permitted on aircraft until further notice. It is strongly advisable to check your travel insurance policies to ensure that your wheelchair is fully covered for their carriage through airports and on board aircraft. See article 13 of September 2006 of the Law and Benefit Review.
Airlines who accept oxygen bottles will continue to do so unless new regulations come into force so before the flight check with the special needs department of the airline or airport authorities.
Check-in for ALL flights is currently THREE [3] HOURS prior to the take off time and they mean THREE HOURS otherwise flights will miss take off slots and will not wait for late passengers. Budget airline checking times of 30 minutes no longer apply during the security enhancement.
The bottom lines are to call the airline you are flying with at least three days before your flight to check that the above restrictions have not been altered or strengthened and the same applies for the return flight. Holiday representatives should be fully aware of the restrictions in force at holiday airports and should inform clients of any changes in the restrictions but if you are travelling independently then you must telephone the airport and speak to the airline operators who will normally speak English.
Following the chaos in August 2006 when these new restrictions were first introduced, many people in the travel industry are saying that lessons have been learnt so if further security restrictions have to be introduced they do not expect so much interruption in flights and airports being crowded with travellers!!!!!!
The Department of Transport who are in overall charge of security at airports in the UK are constantly updating their website, www.dft.gov.uk with security information or they may be contacted on 0207 944 2405. The British Airport Authority [BAA] also have a website, www.baa.com with the new security arrangements outlined.
For air transportation to the USA, regulations may be much stricter so again contact the airline you are flying with and expect delays due to security checks at both ends of the journey. One additional item that disabled travellers will not be able to carry to the USA are some Gel-filled wheelchair cushions so please check if yours is permitted as makes or names are not shown on the restrictions and ALL passengers will have to remove their shoes to be x-rayed along with carry-on luggage. The USA Transportation Security Administration who controls all US airports have a website devoted to the security arrangements on www.tsa.gov/travellers and another useful website is www.usatoday.com/travellers both well viewing if you are travelling to the USA. Bon Voyage.
On September 14 2006, the Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced that many of the restrictions at UK airports referred to in this article may be lifted. May be. At the same time, the European Union is putting plans forward to decrease the amount of luggage to be carried by aircraft as a world policy. More on this next month.
[c] BANK SCAMS: If you receive an email from your bank or buildings society asking for private and confidential information, then do nothing except copy it and take in to your bank or building society as soon as possible as it will be a SCAM.
Disability Matters has experienced first hand the initial contacts of bank account scammers by receiving an email purporting to be from Lloyds/TSB with all the banks motifs and assurances of their concern about our account with them. The ‘scammers’ first mistake is that we do not have an account with Lloyds/TSB and their second mistake is that we did not carry out their requests to confirm banks account details, dates of births, trading address, etc.
This ‘scam’ is being carried out world-wide from ‘scammers’ sending out emails as if they have been sent by your bank so do not be fooled. The email contains information about your account being logged onto by Internet Providers [IP,s] that have been blacklisted and then invites you to ‘click’ onto a so-called secured online banking line where information that no bank would ask you for in this manner, as they already have it from when you opened the account with them.
The email, insofar as Lloyds/TSB is concerned, comes from an email named notice@1.lloydtsb.com. DO NOT REPLY TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS OR OPEN THE SO CALLED SECURED ONLINE BANKING LINE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES but take a copy of the email to your bank as soon as you have received it as we did. In this case, Lloyds/TSB confirmed that the email was a scam and that their security department and the police were already investigating the ’scam’. The apparent authenticity of the email that we received was astounding and could easily ‘con’ many people if they had an account with the bank name that appeared on the email. ALL UK high street banks are being subjected to this ‘scam’ with many millions of pounds being taken from people banks account without trace so take care.
[d] ELECTORAL LISTS UPDATES: All over the United Kingdom, local authorities are posting out forms for occupants to declare who will be living at a particular address on October 15 2006 in order for the electoral lists also known as voters lists to be updated. You must only complete the form for the address if you will be living at the address on that date.
When completing the form it will be noticed that opportunity is being provided for you to have a postal vote rather than attend at a polling station, some of which still lack full facilities for disabled people after the last elections. ALL polling stations must be fully accessible, provide large prints lists of candidates and loop systems and accessible voting booths for wheelchair users. If these facilities are not available complaint immediately to the electoral officer in charge and quote the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and then report it to the local authority responsible for setting up the polling station. Refuse to be intimidated into making your mark on the voting ticket outside the polling station because the building is not accessible, such action are illegal, again complain to the offending authority and contact us so that we can help stop this practice and ensure that all polling stations are fully accessible.
[e] TAX FREE INCOME LIMITS: We have been asked by over thirty callers to confirm the current income levels before income tax is paid, why this information is suddenly required is apparently something to do with benefit assessments for Incapacity Benefits claimants being switched onto the new benefit, well here are the Figures from HM Revenue and Customs form R85 [2006]
Your age by April 5 2007 Annual Limits Weekly limits
Under 65 £5.035 £96
65 to 74 £7,280 £140
Over 75 £7,420 £142
MOTORING SECTION
[A] FROM SEPTEMBER 29 2006, YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE YOUR BLUE BADGE FOR INSPECTION BY POLICE OFFICERS, TRAFFIC WARDENS AND EMPLOYEES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES ENGAGED ON PARKING CONTROL WHEN THE BADGE IS BEING USED FOR PARKING ON A PUBLIC ROAD. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN A CRIMINAL OFFENCE WITH A MAXIMUM FINE OF £1000. [SECTION 94 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ACT 2006].
[B] HOSPITAL DISABLED DRIVERS PARKING SPACES: Blue Badge parking spaces in Gloucestershire Royal, Cheltenham General and Delancey hospitals now have added parking protection with fines of £70 being issued to those who park illegally, after threats to charge disabled people to park. These latter proposals have now been abandoned after strong opposition. Cirencester hospital continues to provide free parking for disabled drivers in reserved bays so long as a current blue badge is fully disabled. Violators parking in the reserved bays will receive similar treatment as in the other hospitals.
[C] INSURANCE RIGHT OFFS: Some four million vehicles which have been written off by insurance companies are now on the road in the United Kingdom. If you are thinking of purchasing a second-hand vehicle, then prior to parting with any cash or taking out a loan, log on to www.freevehiclecheck.co.uk to check out the vehicle you are thinking of purchasing. The information held on the website comes from the Association of British Insurers. Do not be impressed by apparent genuine log-books, maintenance receipts, mileage readings, etc. produced by former owners and dealers, they could be false and totally worthless. The website provides information about any outstanding hire purchase agreements and if the vehicle is not a insurance ‘right off’.
[D] UNIVERSAL PARKING POLICIES: A Transport Select Committee in the House of Commons have recommended a single national system of parking attendants following criticism of over zealous behaviour by traffic wardens towards motorists. The Department for Transport will later issue a guidance on civil enforcement of parking contraventions to local authorities. ‘Disability Matters’ will keep this under review as there may be some changes to the Blue Badge Scheme and the way it is policed.
[E] HIGHWAYS: The office of Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee [DPTAC] have indicated in a ‘position statement’ that concessions should be considered for the exemption of any ‘road charge’ for certain disabled drivers among which are those in receipt of the higher rate of mobility component of the Disability Allowance. The inclusion of ALL blue badge Holders as ‘concession holders’ is strongly opposed by ‘Disability Matters’ due to the extraordinary and continuing amount of theft, fraud and abuse this scheme continues to expose. We will not know what effect the new ‘inspection of blue badges’ under section 94 of the Traffic Management Act 2006 will have on such matters for a number of years if indeed any records are to be kept.
‘Disability Matters’ fully supports ’concessions being allocated to genuine disabled drivers but is total opposed to the generality of offering such ’concessions’ to ALL blue badge holders so we will have written to DPTAC to oppose the inclusion of ALL blue Badge holders in any proposed congestion charging legislation. Those people who are possession of a stolen blue badge or are using it fraudulently would virtually be given hundreds of pounds a year as they would not have to pay any parking charges when using the stolen badge.
[F] NEW MOTORING GUIDE: Radar has launched a guide on motoring for disabled people. The guide has been produced by the Disability Rights Commission, covers all aspects of motoring including the availability of financial support. For a copy of ‘Get Motoring - a practical guide for the disabled motorist call 020 7250 3222 or visit www.radar.org.uk.
[G] NEW DROPPED KERBS IN CHELTENHAM [UK]: To improve disabled access at The Brewery entertainment complex in Cheltenham, drop kerbs have been installed following complaints that disabled people could not enter the centre. Three entrances have now been made ‘wheelchair-friendly’ which can be accessed from Henrietta Street and St Margaret's Road. Disabled parking bays remain in Baynham Way.
[H] TRAFFIC NEWS: You can now see UK wide traffic problems on the desk top of your computer, go to www.highways.gov.uk and download the appropriate link.
[I] DRIVING ABROAD: Many European countries are cracking down on motorists - particularly UK drivers - who abuse their traffic laws. Tough new penalties including massive fines for speeding, licences being seized by traffic police and endorsed, vehicles impounded and even imprisonment is in the offing for traffic violators. All radar detectors are almost totally banned from even being in a vehicle and will be seized and confiscated along with anything attached to it. Go to www.driving-abroadinfo and click on the country you are visiting. Compulsory equipment to be carried now includes reflective jackets for all the vehicle occupants, warning triangles - two in Spain, complete spare bulb sets, etc.
[j] NEW CHILD SEATS IN VEHICLES: As from September 18, all Children under 12 years of age and less than 4 feet 5 inches tall must travel in a booster seat following an European Union directive or face a £30 fixed penalty fine. Other rules concerning the carrying of child in a motor vehicle have also been introduced, details of which may be obtained from our office by way of a printed sheet.
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NEWS BYTES: [1] Incapacity Benefits continues to be examined. See article 11[g] below or log on to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. [2] New accessibility guidelines for passengers in regard to information have been published. All disabled passengers need to know more than where a bus is travelling to so the Real Time Information Centre has brought together bus operators, local authorities and systems industries to produce a package suitable for disabled people. [3] A new guide for carers has been published giving advice, information and contacts. The ‘Essential Carer’s Guide ref: ISBN 1-905140-07-X is published by Hammersmith Press for £14.99 [4] A new leaflet to help choosing a stair lift called ’Get wise to buying a stair lift’ is available from BHTA by sending a A5 s.a.e. to New Loom House, Suite 406, 101 back Church Lane, London, E1 1LU, tel: 0207702 2141 or look at the website www.bhta.com [5] A new guide ‘Britain’s Accessible Places to Stay’ in now available in bookshops although the information tends to be within England. All properties in the book are inspected and accommodate people with disabilities. B & B’s, form a large proportion of affordable accommodation in the book as well as colour maps, suggestions and information. The book can be ordered on line at www.visitbritaindirect.com or at 0870 606 7204. [6] Disability Matters is now holding a full list of contact numbers and locations for Shopmobility Schemes in England, Wales, Scotland, Jersey and Northern Ireland [7] Postcode lotteries are apparently denying free care to 3 in 4 elderly people. Tens of thousands are being forced to fund their own care. See article 7 below. [8] ID theft is still climbing with both elderly and under thirties being targeted. 6 million people have now been victims of ID theft. To reduce risks, keep PIN numbers safe, destroy house- hold bills, credit card and bank statements, advertising material from banks and credit card companies so possible thieves will not know with whom you are dealing - even the envelopes should be destroyed as they contain addresses. Letters relating to loans, mortgages, car payments, etc. should also be completely destroyed. Always notify banks, credit card companies, utility companies when you move and arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address. The best way of destroying paper is to burn it and better still shred it. You can purchase hand powered shredders for as little as £6.50 - worth every penny. [9] RADAR has produced a free guide to buying scooters and powered wheelchairs. For a copy contact 020 7250 4119 or on line at www.radar.org.uk [10] The Governments own website Directgov, www.direct.gov.uk provides public information on a hoist of subjects including health, employment, social care and health. [11] The Disabled Living Foundation www.dif.org.uk provides information for disabled and elderly folks. They have just updated all their information sheets on independent living, getting around, buying walking aids, scooters and power wheelchairs. For copies log onto the website or call 0845 130 9177. [12] A new online directory of builders and handymen has been set up for older and disabled people to hire to carry out “high quality and affordable work” according to the website www.foundations.uk.com. Their database lists Home Improvement Agencies which offer information and services to disabled homeowners and tenants who wish to repair, maintain or adapt their homes. [13] Cambridge University have published a new guide which helps people to use the correct language when addressing disabled people. Often unacceptable language which could be offensive to disabled people is used un-intentionally so this new guide should help employees of groups who deal with people suffering from disabilities. Contact 01223 332 301 or go the website admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/personnel/equality/disability.
[14] Half of the independent living centres in the UK are under financial threat and may close. These centres provide valuable assistance to disabled people when choosing beds, chairs, mobility assistance and a host of other items. As an alternative use the Disabled Living Foundation featured in 11 above.
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[2] CARE NEWS: As from April 2007, carers will have the right to flexible working arrangements from their employer. Currently 1 in 5 carers have to give up work as carers so this is welcome news for 3 millions of them. The Work and Families Act 2006 will come into effect in April 2007 which will help carers juggle work with the caring duties. Look at www.carersuk.org for more information on this and other caring matters.
[3] ACCESS TO SHIPS: Despite the Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 & 2005 and the removal of the exemption under Part 3 of the 1995 Act for smaller vessels, isabled passengers are often restricted in their use of larger sea-going vessels such as cross channel ferries due to their old construction. Other larger vessels such as cruise ships are often only a few years old and are more accessible but still tend to struggle to deal with wheelchair bound disabled people. Access lifts from the car deck to the passenger decks are normally not large enough to accommodate a wheelchair/passenger/carer and sleeping and bathing arrangements are a no go unless expensive executive cabins are used.
Cruise ships are becoming more and more accessible but it is vital that a full check is made prior to booking any journey by ship or hovercraft that the vessel will fully accommodate your particular needs. Accessible toilets, suitable over-night accommodation, access to restaurants, shops, bars and entertainment. Are the lifts large enough to accommodate wheelchairs. This is essential as without such, you cannot possibly travel. Everyone should be able to get to, and use, ferries and passenger ships, including ports and terminals. For many people this is not currently possible due to barriers created by the design, management and operation of the ships, ports and difficulty getting to services by train.
The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when using shipping services. Much is already being done. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to prevent the discrimination of disabled people. By October 2004 ports and infrastructure should have been accessible to disabled people. The Government has stated that it will consider lifting the exemption of shipping from some of the requirements of part III of the Disability Discrimination Act, if research shows that the guidance developed by DPTAC has not produced significant improvement.
There are currently working groups looking at the shipping and railway industry as a whole to improve accessibility for all disabled people and ‘Disability Matters’ will remain alert and report further as information is released. Any changes for the better are likely to be a long way off due to the length of time that ships are built to last for, but hopefully all those in service now will be suitably made fully accessible as soon as possible.
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee [DPTAC] has a large website www.dptac.gov.uk in which information on all forms of transport may be obtained. Two reports on access to shipping are currently on the website and are worth reading before contemplating travelling by ship. Both infrastructure and staff training feature high in the two reports which the Passenger Shipping Association acknowledges that they can do more towards disability awareness.
The lessons to be learnt are to seek out information concerning the vessel on which you are going to sail on as to accessibility to lifts, bedrooms, toilets, bathrooms, showers, restaurants, shops, bars, doors and most importantly your safety in cases of emergency such as getting into life-boats. Ask the, travel agent or tour company and shipping companies before booking your cruise or ferry crossing about accessibility on board as it is no use complaining once on board. Ask for confirmation in writing if you have concerns in case matters go wrong.
Most ferry companies are very accommodating towards disabled drivers prior to boarding by permitting them to load towards the start of the loading process. Make sure you inform the staff where you produce your sailing tickets that you are disabled and you will be provided with an identification sticker for the ships loading staff to identify you for special attention. The down side is that you will be one of the last off the vessel at the other end but most ships unload within a very short period of time.
[4] ACCESS TO BUILDING REGULATIONS: Both central government and local authorities are reviewing the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Part ‘M’ of the Building Regulations 2004 in respect of new housing to bring more accessible properties available to disabled people. Now that more and more disabled people are living independently in their own homes through schemes such as the Independent Living Fund, apartments and houses must be fully accessible both inside and out as well as being affordable.
The tasks are to ensure that buildings with at least a minimum amount of level access is the responsibility of the local authority Building Control Officers and Planners by enforcing Part ‘M’ of the 2004 regulations. In due course, the regulations are to be extended to bring existing buildings undergoing alterations or a change of use within the area of Part ‘M’ appropriate to the changes required. The current planning system almost ignores the needs of the disabled and currently there are long waiting lists with local authorities and housing associations for accessible premises. This review will include all new planning applications for private housing as well, many of which have already included ramped access’s.
[5] COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS: The government plans to increase the number of disabled people visiting the English countryside. The plans include consultation with the Countryside Agency www.countryside.gov.uk who are part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This website includes information on access to the countryside and other information for those visiting the outdoors.
Priory to the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 coming into being, very few disabled people in wheelchairs or on a powered scooters could access many of the public footpaths and bridleways in the UK. This was mainly due to the types and variations of styles used throughout the public footpath system. Slowly styles are becoming uniformly designed and footpaths are beginning to become accessible but this will take time to complete. In the South Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, UK, a group of disabled people called Countryside Rights of Way South Cerney or CROWS, have, with the assistance of Gloucestershire County Council and volunteers, opened up a number of footpaths and other rights of way in the South Cerney, Gloucestershire area to make them accessible for all wheelchair and scooter users. The Joint Chairs of CROWS, one of which just happens to be the Chairman of ‘Disability Matters‘, Alan de Derval et de Moisdon and Mrs Jenny Roberts featured in a nationwide campaign by the Gloucestershire County Council called ‘Improving Countryside Access in Gloucestershire’ and they both featured on the front cover a local authority publication entitled ‘GrassRoutes’ in the summer of 2004. The Gloucestershire Public Rights of Way & Conservation directorate continue to make footpaths accessible to disabled people where ever they can but sometimes it is a long and complicated process.
CROWS is based in South Cerney which is an ancient Cotswold village located within the Cotswold Water Park where the footpath/bridleway system is second to none with many footpaths capable of accepting wheelchairs and scooters. The website www.waterpark.org contains information about the water park and by contacting 01285 861458 you can obtain a map of the area with all the footpaths marked on it.
The somewhat controversial ‘rights to roam’ part of the 2000 Act provided the legal right to access thousands of areas of land including registered commons, ‘downland’ together with some grassland and heath land. Additionally, mountain and moors are being opened up to walkers together with coastal paths across land owned by the National Trust. Unfortunately much of the ’new land’ will not be accessible for disabled people and what land that can be accessed will need country style robust four wheeled drive buggy’s used with great care.
The Disabled Ramblers Club which were featured in article 7 of the June 2006 issue of LBR, operates escorted groups for disabled members into the countryside and they can be contacted on 01628 621414.
The government through www.defra.gov.uk have also published a book entitled ‘Outdoors for All’ covering the subject of accessing the countryside.
[6] RAILCARD INCREASES AND CHANGES: The price of an annual UK railcard has increased to £18 as from September 2006 with a three year card available at £48.00, a saving of £6 for regular rail travellers, and qualification has been expanded to include people in receipt of the lower mobility component of Disability Living Allowance [DLA]. See www.disabledpersonsrailcard.co.uk for further details.
[7] TRAVEL INSURANCE - UPDATE: Once again, at your requests, we return to this monthly chestnut. Last month, we reported that central government were investigating the sale of insurance by travel agents. Banks and insurance companies are regulated by the Financial Services Authority but travel agents are not, so there is no come-back if things go wrong - and they do.
The recent security alert at UK airports has highlighted many problems with travel insurance due to [a] policyholders failing to understand what cover they have purchased and [b] inappropriate cover, both of which have contributed to claims being rejected. The call now is for travel agents to be regulated alongside the holidays they sell to stop holiday travellers being sold the wrong insurance cover.
Often as a sales gimmick, travel insurance is included ’free’ if the holiday purchased is over say £1000 but nobody sees the contents of the policy until the holders make a claim and even then the whole certificate of insurance policy is not provided unless requested. A form of ‘cover note’ is given with the names of the insured and dates of cover but that is just about all so really the travellers have no idea what they are and what they are not covered for. ‘Which’ the independent watchdog, says that customers buying travel insurance as part of a package often get a poor deal.
Before seeking insurance cover for what ever reason, think about what cover you require. Insurance policies and allied documents are written in a language that few of us understand. Demand to read the whole of the contents of the insurance policy document to see if the cover you have asked for is sufficient for your needs before you sign or pay for it. Many travellers have recently come un-stuck with claims for laptops and cell phones missing after being placed in the hold of the aircraft. The terms of the policy will always be that you - the policy holder - are fully responsible for the safety of your own effects at all times. Expensive items such as laptops, cellphones, cash and jewellery are often all classed together in one section with an upper limit to be claimed, this often catches people out as the cost of the item or items lost or stolen exceeds the upper limit. You only receive the maximum stated payout limit which is often not the full cost of the items lost or stolen. Think, do I really need my laptop and all my jewellery on holiday, where can I keep it safe in the hotel without sitting on it all the time, best advice - leave it at home. The next important item is ‘medical’ which has been covered in article 13 in August 06 and article 2 of July 06.
We at ‘Disability Matters’ have received telephone calls from concerned travellers about levels of cover required in the USA. The short answer is “as much as you can afford” with ‘repatriation’ ‘medication’ ‘nursing’ ‘consultancy’ ‘hospital charges’ ‘ambulance charges’ ’x-rays’ etc. etc. being essential. As we have said before, illness, injury or death in the USA can, and will often cost millions of dollars to settle.
[8] CARE LOTTERY: Tens of thousands of elderly people are wrongly being forced to fund their own nursing care apparently due to a so-called ‘post code lottery’. In some parts of the country elderly people are up to 15 times less likely of not being state funded for their nursing care charges to which they are legally entitled to. In some case, the people concerned are forced into selling their homes to pay bills which the state should pick up.
These facts have been revealed by the UK Health Department who three years ago paid out £100 million to compensate elderly people who had been wrongly ejected from free nursing care. Age Concern says that 100.000 people in the UK could be eligible for free nursing care but only 25,000 are actually receiving it.
Looking at a comparable chart around the country published by Age Concern, figures of elderly people receiving free nursing care are not even remotely related to one another. The law states that where someone’s ‘primary need is a health care need’ they should receive NHS funded care. Those elderly people in care in nursing homes judged to have mainly ’social care’ need to undergo a mean test to assess how much they should contribute to the cost of their care. Continuing Care has always been based on an overall assessment of a persons care needs. This somewhat confusing issue of ‘care’ is difficult for elderly people and indeed their families to understand and consultations are taking place to simplify it.
Medical conditions also cloud the scene. While incontinence, confusion and immobility are all distressing conditions, they do not necessarily indicate a primary health care need, and do not, on their own, make that person eligible for NHS continuing care but would go a long way to possibly make the patient liable for living at home under the Direct Payments.
In a recent example, an elderly lady was admitted to hospital after a fall and her family were informed that she would be entitled to free nursing care when she left the hospital. But after gangrene set in and she had to have a leg amputated the offer of free care was withdrawn because her health needs had become ’stable and predictable’. How more complicated can ’care’ become.
It would be advisable to seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or a similar agency or even solicitors if you find yourself in a situation where the question of ‘nursing care’ arises. Do not permit a local authority to force you into selling your home to pay for care if you are lawfully entitled to it free of charge.
[9] SCOTLAND LEADS THE WAY: [a] A scheme designed to help older and vulnerable people to continue living independent lives in their own homes is to benefit from government grants. Cash is also to be made available to help older people install electronic alarms and monitors in their homes. The ‘Telecare’ scheme has been pioneered in West Lothian. The Scottish Communities Minster is to announce that the scheme has been so successful that it is to be introduced throughout the whole of Scotland. The scheme includes home sensors and alarms linked through telephone lines to a community centre as well as fall detectors, wandering sensors and bed and chair occupancy sensors. Do we have this in England? No, such schemes are financed by those who request them.
[b] The Scottish Executive have extended its scheme to tackling fuel poverty to families with a child under 16 receiving Disability Living Allowance. This extension of the ‘Warm Deal’ programme north of the boarder now means that some 26,000 families in Scotland could benefit from these grants. It is hoped that families with children up to 8 could also benefit from the extension of the scheme. The widening of the scheme has been applauded by local groups who have said that it underlines the need for winter fuel payments for severely disabled people, particularly in the light of ever increasing fuel prices. Why oh Why is this not occurring in England?
[10] EQUALITY ACT 2006: The creation of a unified equality commission moved a step forward during August ‘06 with the start of a number of provisions in the Equality Act 2006. The new Act allows for the official establishment and constitution of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights [CEHR]. This includes the appointment of a Chair which is expected in late summer, followed by the appointment of Commissioners.
Following the transmission period, the CEHR will be working towards the transfer of functions from existing commissions: the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission in 2007 and the Commission for Racial Equality by 2009. From October 2007 when the CEHR should be operational, it will be responsible for providing institutional support against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender, religion or belief and additionally have a human rights remit.
STATE BENEFITS UPDATE
[11] STATE PENSIONS: The UK Government have just unveiled their White paper on the future of state pensions.
[a] The State Pension age will rise to 66 years for both men and women from 2024, 67 from 2034, and to 68 from 2044. These changes will only effect those who were under 47 on April 5 2006. The years of National Insurance contribution you will need to make to qualify for a full state pension will change from 39 years for women and 44 years for men to 30 years for both. There are further details of this part of the White paper that awaits release.
[b] CARING: Good news if you are looking after a sick or disabled relative for in excess of 20 hours per week. This will be treated as full time work when it comes to calculating your State Pension. It if often the case that providing care is limited to a relatively short period of time rather than a life time task. Remember to keep details of dates, hours and any written evidence of your care time so that you may include the time spent when calculating your state pension in years to come.
[c] NEW LINK: As ‘Disability Matters’ reported in July 2006, the Government has finally decided to restore the link between earnings and the State Pension which could possibly commence from 2012 but will depend on the governments affordability at the time. Bit hit and miss if you ask me!!
[d] RESIDENTIAL CARE: The upper capital limit below which those in residential care can receive help from local authorities with fees, has risen to £21.000 from April 2006. The lower capital rate has risen to £12.750. 00. Every £250 of capital above this lower figure is assumed to produce £1.00 per week of income. Capital below £12.750.00 is disregarded in the financial assessment.
[e] PERSONAL EXPENSE: The personal expenses allowance for those in care homes receiving local authority help has increased to £19.60 per week.
[f] DENTISTRY: The Department of Health has published a leaflet setting out changes to NHS dentistry which came into force on April 1 2006. You can obtained the leaflet by calling 0870 155 5455.
[g] INCAPACITY BENEFIT: New regulations have been issued in relation to the permitted work rules that allow people to undertake some part-time work whilst continuing to receive Incapacity Benefit. From April 10 2006, a new category of permitted work has enabled those who are exempt from the personal capability assessment to be able to work for an unlimited period providing it is for less than 16 hours per week and the earnings do not exceed £81.00 per week. In addition, claimants can:
[1] work up to 16 hours a week on average and earn up to £81.00 per week for a fixed 52 week period.
[2] continue to work and earn up to £20 per week as long as they are the benefit
[3] continue to do ‘supported permitted’ work and earn up to £81.00 per week for as long as the claiment is in receipt of the benefit.
[h] HEALTH BENEFITS FOR THE OVER 60’s: FREE - prescriptions from your GP, FREE - eye-sight tests, FREE - NHS Chiropody, FREE - dental checks in Wales only.
If you are unsure about what health benefits you are entitled to, ask for leaflet HC11- Help with the Health Costs which is available through GP’s dentists and pharmacists or the Department of Health by calling 0800 555 777
[12] PREMIUM BONDS: Remember these, how many of us have them at a bottom of a draw and forgotten about them. You may be sitting on thousands of pounds, Now you can see if you have won on line by logging onto www.nsandi.com using your premium bond numbers or attending a larger post office where the London Gazette should be kept containing details of winners. Good Luck.
[13] COMPUTERS: Several ‘surfers’ have contacted us asking where could they go for help in choosing a computer and how to learn to use it. The quick answer is to attend a local computer course being held by your local education authority at community colleges who provide various courses
The question of the type of computer you want is answered by the question - “what do you want to do with it”? Your local library will undoubtedly have a computer for the use of public to go ‘on-line’ and search the internet and some operate short ’beginners courses’. This is a good way to see if you can manage a computer and feel comfortable with it, before spending hundreds of pounds on a whim. Advice can be obtained from large electrical stores such as Currys’ Comets, P C world, etc. who have both expert and experienced staff who specialise on computers and soft wear and who can advice you, but do not buy equipment or soft wear that you will never use. If you know somebody who has experience of using a computer then ask than to come along with you.
Most people use a computer to surf the internet - that’s how you found the ‘Law and Benefit Review’ - write letters, reports, keep files in one place instead of having millions of pieces of paper everywhere and self educate via the internet. It would have been noticed that we often refer to websites in our articles for individuals to look at to find out more about a given subject matter. Normally, a computer having 80GB and 512 MB is sufficient for ‘home use’ but if, like ‘Disability Matters‘, the computers are used to store information, data bases, back copies of the Law and Benefit Review, then a larger hard drive will be required dependent on use.
Large book stores and libraries have for sale or loan, numerous books on the workings of computers and various software which will give anybody a good insight into the world of computers. There are also individuals and businesses who advertise expertise of computers, repairs, advice, updating, etc. in local telephone lists. The ‘language’ used in the computer world is, at first, daunting, but do not worry, you will soon get used to it.
There are websites to cater for ‘beginners’. Try www.50connect.co.uk or www.overfiftiesqwbsites.co.uk
‘Disability Matters’ has a comprehensive two-page guide on the subject of computers, the internet and software which will provide a broad outline of owning a computer and being on line. This if a free leaflet, just contact us for a copy.
[14] CIRENCESTER HOSPITAL: The hospital has been thrown a lifeline with the opening of a new surgical unit to carry out day surgery for mainly local people. A private company ’UK Specialists Hospitals’ is expected to perform 5000 operations a year thus speeding up waiting times and cutting down on travelling to hospitals in Cheltenham, Swindon or Gloucester. It is anticipated that operations will be carried for ENT, general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology and urology.
[15] POST OFFICES/TV LICENSES: More information has been released concerning the move of TV licences away from post offices. The new services is to be call ’PayPoint’ and is apparently already operating in some areas. Some 15,000 outlets at stores such a Co-op, Costcutter, Texaco and Somerfords are now selling TV licences. There is a three month transition period during which the post office can still be used to purchase or renew TV licences, and the popular TV stamps will be phased out, but only to be replaced by a savings card. For more information on the ‘savings card’ call 0870 850 6709.
[16] GAS BILLS 18% INCREASES: Gas bills are once again on the rise. As a result, one person in every fifteen seconds is becoming a member of the ‘fuel poverty’ people who cannot afford their utility bills, this is were families spend more than 10% of their disposable income on heating and electricity. It is estimated that four million people are now subjected to ‘fuel poverty’. Powergen is being named as the “least popular” big energy firm out of the ‘big six’ energy companies.
Researches have shown that the cost of living for pensioners is increasing more than 50% than the official inflation rate. State pensions and state benefits have risen by 2.7 per cent in April 2006 and are expected to rise by the same rate again next year making a £47.3% deficit to be found from a fixed income on one increase alone.
‘Disability Matters’ have recently used Uswitch and other websites to find cheaper fuel utility prices. We found savings of around £50.00 per annum initially but by the time the change over from one company to another is achieved after two months the financial saving means very little as fuel has been increased further within that time.
Increases in Gas & Electricity prices have in 2006 from January to August risen between 12.4% and 24.4% and for electricity between 8% and 113.4% - yes 113.4% - NPower!!!!! The winter fuel payments of £200 for the majority of pensioners and disabled people on state benefits works out at £3.84 per week or £0.54 per day. That’s under two hours of a gas fire on low.
A new survey by our friends in Scotland have established that since 2003, domestic gas has risen by 83% and electricity by 55.8%. As a direct result of this, there are now over 600,000 living at ‘fuel poverty’ levels. Energywatch now have a help line for people suffering from fuel poverty so if you are unfortunately one of them call 08459 06 07 08.
[17] STATE BENEFITS GIVING TO CONVICTED PRISONERS: Once again the Civil Service have blundered costing the tax payers of the UK £13 million. Over the last three years, prisoners in UK gaols have received Income Support, JobSeekers Allowance, Child Maintenance, Income Support or Pension Credit, Incapacity Benefit, Disability Benefit, State Pension, Carer’s Allowance and Industrial Injuries Benefit none of which are not normally permissible for inmates. The Department of Works and Pensions are unable to provide a explanation for these disgraceful payments only to say that it must have occurred by fraudulent claims - mind blowing. The DWP cannot either ascertain how much they are owed due to fraud or who payments have been made to as the £13 million is just a ‘sampling exercise”. So, how much of tax payer’s money has been ’lost’ or ’stolen’ by fraudsters in prison? £15m, £18m, £20m, what?
The rules for all of the state benefits referred to above state that people in prison are normally unable to claim these benefits and the DWP should be informed of all changes in their circumstances’. It is incredible that it is so easy for prisoners to be able to claim these benefits without checks being carried out by the DWP whilst genuine claimants often face weeks of delays before benefits are paid whilst prisoners receive three meals a day, clean bedding, hot showers, water, heating, electricity, gas, clean clothes, newspapers. game facilities, hot water, towels, soap, TV without requiring a licence, work, from which the can earn a small wage, whilst the tax payer picks up the daily tab and elderly and disabled people ‘struggle’ to make ends meet.
[18] PUBLIC SECTOR DUTY: In December 2006, the Public Sector Duty of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will come into force whereby all broadcasters will have to consider the needs of disabled people in the panning of all services and equally as important - involving disabled people from the outset. Lets hope this will stop apparently healthy ambulant people playing the part of a disabled person in advertisements selling wheelchairs, scooters, bath lifts, stair lifts and sit down baths.
[19] BUYERS PROTECTION: If you are contemplating buying a scooters, power chair, bath lift, stair lift or riser chair then you need a free copy of ‘buyers protection’ issued by the Mobility Matters retail Network. The publication contains useful advice, how not to fall the ticks of the trade and why it is not always prudent to buy cheap. Call 08705 1341130 for your copy.
[20] HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE CAN THE UK ABSORB: It has been announced by the UK government that the total number of known population in the United Kingdom is over 60 million for the first time plus an unknown number of illegal immigrants. This number is crowded into 244.110 sq. kilo meters of land. France has a population of 60,656 million in 545,030 sq. kilo meters of land whilst Spain has a population of just 40 million n 505,992. sq. kilo meters which includes the Balearic and Canary Islands. One can see that both France and Spain are more than double the size of the UK with equal or less populations, so how many more people can be permitted to enter the UK from the European Union, Africa, Middle and Far East, South America and elsewhere and become residents and making demands on the NHS, hospitals, social services, state benefits, doctors, transport systems, housing, emergency services, water, gas and electricity supply’s, etc. The UK government are pretending ’immigration’ does not effect the state benefits system and yet the national newspapers have gathered numerous examples of expenditure by the UK government on housing and state benefits to maintain UK migrants. For the indigenous population, waiting lists will increase, state pensions and benefits will remain low, congestion on roads and public transport systems will increase, access to jobs decreased and populations segregated. The government have announced on August 24 2006, that demands on gas supplies during the winter of 2006/2007 may not be sustained, if true, this unbelievable situation and will leave elderly and disabled people in unacceptable circumstances. Is it not bad enough for many elderly and disabled people to reduce their living circumstances to one room during the winter to save on gas and electricity bills, but then to be without heat through the lack of gas supplies beggar's believe. Immigration has to stop now.
One can only wonder why, when calls are made for increased state pensions and benefits by large UK charities who look after our aging and disabled population, the government always cry’s ‘foul’ making the lack of finance as an increase not to pay more to pensioners and disabled people. So if ‘finance’ is so short - ha ha - how can they find it to give to the increasing immigrant population?
[21] SERVICE CALL: We at ‘Disability Matters’ have lost count of the number of callers asking for more information about ‘Service Call’ to assist them at petrol service stations, post office, pharmacists and supermarkets. As a result, we have contacted ’Service Call’ who have supplied us with additional information.
To take advantage of this scheme, users need a ’service call transmitter’ to keep in the car and which costs £9.95 plus the cost of a battery. Users of the scheme also received a orange triangular badge for the service providers to identify the person who requires assistance. This ’badge’ must not be displayed on the windscreen of the vehicle permanently as this contravenes road traffic law in an identical manner as do Blue Badges being permanently displayed on car windscreens. The ’transmitting’ device alerts the staff operating the system that a customer requires assistance. Premises operating the system will display an orange triangular sign with the international recognisable disabled symbol of a person in a wheelchair with the wording ’service call’ and ’www.service-call.net’ printed on opposite sides of the triangle.
For more information, contact 0800 458 3008 or log-on to www.service-call.net. If you require a ’transmitter’ for your car then contact 0800 214045. To see who have installed receivers at their premises with a location map contact the website. If your local store that you frequently use has not installed a ’Service Call’ system and you find accessing their premises difficult or impossible, then tell them about ’Service Call’ and ask them to install it. Also tell the owners about the DDA 1995 and that he is more than likely operating ‘illegally’ as you now have rights of full accessibility. REMEMBER that from October 2005, “it was illegal to operate a service or provide goods or facilities in such a way that is makes it impossible or unreasonable for a disabled person to use the service or obtain the goods”. The ’service providers’ can obtain further details by contacting the Disability Rights Commission on 08457 6222633 by asking for a free guide.
[22] UN DISABILITY TREATY: The United Nations [UN] have agreed to a new treaty called the ‘United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons’ which will give greater universal rights and freedoms to disabled people the world over. There are 650 million known ‘disabled people. in the world, but only 45 countries have any specific legislation that protects them. The specific’s of the ‘draft’ are both long and defined but will not be expected to affect disabled people in the UK’s rights, as they already have at least two Acts of Parliament, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 & 2005 to protect and guide them together with other allied legislation. The European Union have also recently expanded the protection of disabled people in European Union member countries which was reported upon in article 1 of Euro-News in the September 06 ’Law and Benefit Review’ . The United States of America has similar - some say more powerful protection for disabled people than the United Kingdom does. Most certainly the Blue Badge regulations are more actively enforced by the authorities in the US than the UK, but hopefully the implication of section 94 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 will begin to improve on that - fingers crossed.
Anybody wishing to have full details of the proposed treaty may obtain details from Disability Matters on 01285-861752 but we can safely say that the new treaty contains much the same as the two DDA’s in the UK. The big questions are, when and how is the new treaty to be imposed?
[23] REDUCED CELL PHONE CHARGES FOR GOOD: Following many calls from you concerned about the cost of mobile phone calls whilst on holiday, ‘Disability Matters’ have found a company who advertise at least up to 85% saving on charges for both the receipt and making of cellphone calls in the UK and abroad by the pre-purchasing of SIM cards in the UK before you travel. Costs start at £9.99 with no roaming charges and no charge for the receipt of calls from the UK. Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Greece, USA are among the holiday destinations for which a SIM card may be purchased. Prices vary from country to country, so log onto www.0044.co.uk for full details. The upfront charge for the SIM card may appear to be on the ‘high’ side at first, but call charges whilst away are a fraction of the cost then using your BT, Tesco, Ornage, Virgen, etc. SIM card whilst out of the UK.
On landing or during your flight, exchange your UK SIM card for the new one and immediately at your destination airport you will be connected to the local cellphone network without fuss. Buy ‘top ups’ locally if you require them but these will last for six months only. It is not advisable to buy these SIM cards unless you are expecting to make and receive a high rate of calls. If your cellphone is just a ‘emergency contact’ number then keep your UK SIM card and use telephone boxes for long calls back to the UK, not so convenient but a lot cheaper. This is the last mention of this subject unless something drastic occurs as this is the forth time we have refereed to it.
[24] BRITISH GAS INCREASES: Those of you who have contacted us with concerns about winter fuel payments and keeping warm this winter will be disappointed that gas prices have increased again whilst this edition was being prepared. See article 16 above. We really do fail to understand how the government expects disabled and elderly people on state benefits to keep well and healthy during cold winter periods when gas and electricity prices are repeatedly increasing almost every other month by double figures and state pensions and benefits remain almost static at 2.7 per cent. How does the Government and Ofgem expect people reliant on only state benefits to afford to pay higher and higher demands for payment. ‘Disability Matters’ has written to the Prime Minister asking him what he intends to do to protect low income people against increasing ‘fuel poverty’ and debt.
The Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has announced warnings to expect both restricted energy supplies and rising prices this winter as the Government expects a gas squeeze. As we said in the introduction, these increases have arrived sooner than was expected. If the price of gas increases is not enough, gas supplies will be tight despite massive new investment in pipelines designed to cope with the rising demand. Almost good as British Rail failing to run services due to the wrong type of snow! Why didn't the gas suppliers, British Gas, NPower and all the rest of them foresee this problem and why didn’t governments take action earlier as matters like the running out of gas does not occur over night.
The UK is apparently running out of gas along with some of its European neighbours, the UK is struggling to compete for gas supplies from abroad. Last winter the satellite countries of Russia stopped supplying gas to among others the UK but this was sorted out and now because of the alleged shortage of gas, up go the prices - again. So far this year, gas alone has increased by 43 per cent. Experts are saying that every 15 seconds, one household is being plunged into ‘fuel poverty’ because of the price increases. If you spend 10 per cent or more of your income on heating and electricity than you are in ‘fuel poverty land’.
Both industry and households are apparently being affected by these increases in prices and the most affected financially will be the elderly and disabled. The government has got to come up with some answers very soon to prevent serious problems of hypothermia and unpaid domestic bills. Last month we briefly mentioned that the Chancellor of The Exchequer had collected ONE BILLION POUNDS on the five per cent VAT levied on domestic energy bills. Should not this money be used to overt fuel poverty before matters become worse than they are or shortly will be? What will happen to this £billion and a further £1 billion collected from stamp duty from the sales of property?
We know from three callers that they are already spending more than their weekly income on food, gas, electricity, council tax and water. Two have credit cards to support their income by withdrawing the difference between their income and expenditure but this is not the way - you cannot buy your way out of debt so please don’t try it. We at ‘Disability Matters’ unfortunately do not know what the answer is other then for the Government to increase the winter fuel allowance. £200.00 goes nowhere now - it did at one time. £200 equals £3.84 per week or £0.54 per day.
‘Disability Matters’ is also aware that some disabled people are even returning their Motability vehicles as they cannot afford the price of petrol/diesel fuel even though recently it has reduced to around 94.2p per litre for basic unleaded fuel. Incidentally, do not use cheaper grade fuel in your car because it is 5p per litre cheaper. Always use the recommended grading of fuel. As you will be aware, Motability vehicles only require the drivers to put fuel into the vehicles, no other bills need to be paid and even this is becoming beyond some Motability customers so how can private disabled and elderly owners of vehicles cope?
GOOD NEWS???? On September 12 an announcement was made that gas and electricity wholesale prices are beginning to fall due to new pipelines bringing extra gas to the UK and with predictions of a mild winter, this should bring prices down by up to 30% but not for an estimated six months as current stocks have already been paid for in advance. The National Consumer Council are requesting suppliers to pass on the costs as fast as possible to consumers. No indication is given as to when the prices are due to come down but the sooner the better, lets hope so. We will continue to keep an eye on this issue as it is so important. We wonder if the government will also measure their options?
In the meantime, ‘Help the Aged’ has said on their website. ‘Winter Deaths - Last winter, more than 29,000 people over the age of 65 died as a result of cold related illnesses”. These figures are not only appalling but disgusting in 2006 - how many have to die before the government increases financial help? As we have repeatedly stated in previous Law and Benefit Reviews, £0.54 per day winter fuel payments goes absolutely nowhere these days, a small bar of chocolate is only a few pence less and the government expects people to keep warm and healthy on this miserly sum. In August 2006, mid-summer, the writer had the central heating on in the evening on three occasions when the outside temperatures suddenly dropped!!!!
We will now put this issue ‘on-hold- for the time being as it is now run through four issues - at your request to “keep us informed“. Lets hope that the prices will fall soon.
[25] INDEPENDENT LIVING FUND INCREASES: The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, announced increases to the maximum amounts payable by the Independent Living Funds. The maximum weekly payment from the 1993 Fund increased from £420 per week to £455 per week. The maximum weekly payment from the Extension Fund increased from £715 per week to £785 per week.
Announcing the Increase, the Minister said: “Disabled people have every right to lead full, independent lives and make their own contribution to the community. The Independent Living Funds help many disabled people across the United Kingdom achieve this. This new boost will be good news for severely disabled people, should their support needs increase in the future.”
The new maximum sums took effect from 1 April 2006. Awards are not increased automatically so ILF users should contact their caseworker if their personal assistance needs have changed or the cost of their personal assistance has gone up. Commenting on the new maximum sums, the Chief Executive of the ILF, Elaine Morton said: “These increases will help the ILF continue to offer choice and opportunity for people with high support needs to live independently with the control and freedom to make financial decisions on their support arrangements.”
EURO-NEWS
WHEELCHAIR VEHICLE COSTS TO INCREASE: Our friends at The UK Disability Forum in Brussels have informed us that proposals are afoot to increase the price of UK wheelchair accessible vehicles following the issuing of Directive 70/156/EEC by the European Union which is to be introduced in the first quarter of 2007. The reason for these changes are somewhat confusing so we have downloaded from the website of the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Association details of what this European Union direction is all about:
“New European legislation threatens the UK wheelchair accessible industry - prices set to soar for disabled people“
New European legislation coming into force will severely
threaten the wheelchair accessible vehicle industry, place hundreds of
jobs in jeopardy, and could send prices of specialist cars for disabled
people in the UK rocketing, warns Linda Ling, Chair of the Wheelchair
Accessible Vehicle Converters’ Association (WAVCA).
Under the proposed new Framework Directive 70/156/EEC to be introduced
in early 2007, manufacturers of wheelchair accessible vehicles will be
forced to choose between either taking on huge extra costs to meet new
EU small volume requirements or reduce sales to only tiny numbers of each
model in the UK, and increase prices.
Annual volumes for the entire UK industry currently stand at approximately 8,000 cars, made up of several different models. The current UK national small series scheme (Low Volume Type Approval) allows converters to build up to 500 of any model type. The new legislation is set to limit this to a pitifully low 75, dramatically reducing capacity, making production unviable, which could ultimately force many companies out of business.
The result would be that the availability of suitable cars for disabled customers will become extremely limited and inevitably, prices will soar. Linda Ling, Chair of WAVCA says, "The people that use these types of vehicles are the most severely disabled with a lack of mobility that make it impossible for them to get out of their wheelchairs to enter or alight vehicles. They absolutely rely on specially adapted transport to get out of the house, go shopping, attend hospital appointments, and visit friends and family – all the vital elements of a happy life. Without this essential transport, they will be literally trapped indoors unless of course their state benefits rise considerably so that they can afford the new prices.
A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle is a vehicle category where a standard car has been structurally converted to allow a person with severe mobility impairment to enter a vehicle in their wheelchair, and remain in their chair whilst travelling as a passenger and driven by a carer. The conversion often includes cutting out the original rear floor and replacing with a strengthened, lower floor, changing the exhaust system, moving brake lines and changing the fuel tank, adding a ramp or hydraulic lift and fitting a wheelchair securing system, new seats and seatbelts. These types of vehicles are supplied by outlets such as Gowings mobility, H W Pickrell, DS & P Mobility Electronics, Brotherwood, etc.
The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Association [WAVCA] are opposing these moves on behalf of their members and ‘Disability Matters’ have written to this organisation to obtain more details which will be revealed next month. It is not clear exactly what vehicles are involved in this shocking news. Will it be new vehicles that have already been converted before delivery thus saving VAT on the vehicle and the equipment or vehicles that are purchased new and then converted. Hopefully the WAVCA will tell us and the Disability Forum are also making further enquiries for us. What ever the new prices are to be, this will be yet another financial burden to be faced by the severely disabled so that they may continue to be mobile.
GUIDE DOGS IN EUROPE: The European Guide Dog Forum [EGDF] are trying to unite guide dog providers and service users across Europe including the UK to try and improve the legal rights of access for people using guide dogs. The Forum met for the first time in June 2006 at the European Parliament to discuss the future as guide dog owners in the UK are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 but across Europe similar legislation varies considerably from country to country within the Union. The basis idea of the EGDF is to expand the legal rights for all guide dog users with additional increasing independence for blind and partially sighted people where ever they are in the EU.
NEWS IN WESTMINSTER
The Assisted Dying for the Terminally Bill has been defeated in the House of Lords at least for the time being. This actually happened in May 2006 and somewhere down the line we have got our wires crossed as the sponsor of the Bill wished to re-introduce it into the House of Commons as a private members bill and from various reports in would appear that he had been, but in fact it will not be re-introduced until Parliament returns after the summer break.
The Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Act 2006 has now been given Royal Ascent. The Safe Guarding Vulnerable Groups Bill is due to be passed very soon. [An article on this is scheduled for the November issue] Lyon Enquiry into Council Tax has commenced. The Green Paper on age discrimination as part of the Disability Discrimination Act has been postponed from December 2006 until the New Year. Lord Ashley’s Disabled Persons [Independent Living] Bill is still making progress to the Committee Stage.
PICK OF ARTICLES FOR NOVEMBER 2006
[1] New car hire rules for disabled people.
[2] New gas warnings
[3] New laws to protect vulnerable people.
[4] Disability Equality Duty
[5] European News
[6] Human Rights Changes
[7] Paying for Long term Care
[8] Direct Payments
[9] Know who is looking after you
[10] Changes in the definition of the word ‘disabled’
[11] VAT on imports
[12] Safe Guarding Vulnerable Groups -report
[13] The Employment equality [Age] Regulations 2006 and of course much
more.
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See you all on the 1st of next month then it will be Christmas