With a full year's worth of information now available to assess the situation for disabled people who received support from the Independent Living Fund prior to its closure on 30th June 2015, Inclusion London has produced a report that shows how catastrophic the effect has been.

Based on Freedom of Information requests sent to all 33 of the London boroughs, the analysis shows a real postcode lottery, as some areas have ring-fenced the money received from government in order to maintain support to ILF users, while others have cut care and support packages dramatically.

Read more about it here

 

It seems like quite a while since I last wrote about the Bedroom Tax, but that doesn't mean that it's gone away. Social housing tenants who are occupying a property with more bedrooms than are deemed necessary, are still losing 14% or 25% of their housing benefit (depending whether it is one or two "spare" rooms).

Two thirds of the people affected are disabled, and many are trapped in an invidious situation where they are unable to move, because of the chronic shortage of accessible properties, yet are penalised for staying where they are.

Well this year's legislative programme from the Scottish government includes good news north of the border. There will be a new Social Security Bill, which, amongst other things, will abolish the bedroom tax once and for all. A more humane approach to welfare generally is promised.

More details about this story here

 

Nothing to do with maths, I'm pleased to say, the numbers concerned here are blood pressure readings, and this is the week when we are all encouraged to check our blood pressure, and make sure it is within healthy limits.

Ideally, we should know our blood pressure just as we do our height and weight. High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, because it doesn't have any symptoms, but it does set you up for major health problems, including heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

Once you know your numbers, you can take the necessary steps to get it under control.

There are more details here

 

Some mixed news to share on Motability. First, the good, which concerns Stephanie Leaf, who you may remember I wrote about earlier in the year, because Motability had turned her down for a vehicle she could drive from her wheelchair. I am pleased to say that they have now had a change of heart, and advised her last week that she is, after all, eligible for their support.

The picture is not so positive elsewhere, however, and I heard recently of someone with a progressive condition, applying to the fund for an internal transfer vehicle, for which she was told the wait would now be more than two years from when she first applied, as everything would be placed on hold while she was reassessed from DLA to PIP... I can't help feeling that they have failed to grasp the concept of a progressive condition, if they imagine that her mobility will suddenly improve, and the adapted vehicle no longer be required.

You can see more on the Motability situation here

 

A good solution where wheelchair access is required from time to time, indoors or out, the Liftboy 2 is the latest model of the portable vertical lifter from Power Lifts.

Where ramps would be too steep or too long, and conventional vertical lifts too expensive, or too slow to install in urgent situations, the Liftboy 2 will provide instant wheelchair access up to a height of 830 mm, with a safe working load of 300 kg.

There are more details here

If you provide high quality products and services, and you would like to reach our site visitors and newsletter readers, please email derek@independentliving.co.uk

 

Gainsborough Specialist Bathing has introduced ultra-compact versions of its latest assisted baths. The new compact models are 1500mm in length and are specifically designed to provide spacious bathing with the smallest external footprint. They are ideally suited to retro-fit situations or refurbishment projects within existing properties that may not be able to facilitate spacious bathrooms. They also have a new transfer system with a detachable streamlined seat that attaches to a wheeled stainless steel trolley for onward transfers. More details here

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Until next time, all good wishes,

Frances