Maria Miller
Minister for disabled people: there is no shortage of jobs
Maria Miller blames unemployment on people’s unwillingness to apply for work A government minister has insisted there is “no shortage of jobs”, blaming unemployment on people’s unwillingness to apply for the work available. Maria Miller, the minister for disabled people in the Department for Work and Pensions, said on Sunday night she believed the unemployment problem was down to a lack of “appetite” for the jobs on offer
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Minister for disabled people: there is no shortage of jobs
Benefit cuts are fuelling abuse of disabled people, say charities
Rising public resentment blamed on government focus on alleged ‘scrounger’ fraud and inflammatory media coverage The government’s focus on alleged fraud and overclaiming to justify cuts in disability benefits has caused an increase in resentment and abuse directed at disabled people, as they find themselves being labelled as scroungers, six of the country’s biggest disability groups have warned. Some of the charities say they are now regularly contacted by people who have been taunted on the street about supposedly faking their disability and are concerned the climate of suspicion could spill over into violence or other hate crimes.
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Benefit cuts are fuelling abuse of disabled people, say charities
Benefit cuts are fuelling abuse of disabled people, say charities
Rising public resentment blamed on government focus on alleged ‘scrounger’ fraud and inflammatory media coverage The government’s focus on alleged fraud and overclaiming to justify cuts in disability benefits has caused an increase in resentment and abuse directed at disabled people, as they find themselves being labelled as scroungers, six of the country’s biggest disability groups have warned. Some of the charities say they are now regularly contacted by people who have been taunted on the street about supposedly faking their disability and are concerned the climate of suspicion could spill over into violence or other hate crimes
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Benefit cuts are fuelling abuse of disabled people, say charities
Welfare reform bill: what next for disability benefits? – live discussion
After Tuesday’s vote in the Lords, ministers are pushing ahead with DLA reform. But how will the new system work, and who will lose out? 11.09am: I’m told the comments tool on the site (not just the welfare reform bill live blog) is down
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Welfare reform bill: what next for disability benefits? – live discussion
Maria Miller Nov/Dec 12 Column
I’m sure most of us have had to deal with a pushy doorstep seller wanting to sell us new windows, cable TV or a variety of household goods. Usually most will take the hint from a polite but firm ‘not interested’ but sometimes they can apply pressure and can actually be offering goods that are incredibly overpriced.
A recent report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) found that was certainly the case when it comes to the selling of mobility aids, including scooters, wheelchairs, stair lifts and adjustable beds. The report found that disabled people may be paying too much and in some cases experience high pressure and misleading information when buying such items from doorstep sellers in their own homes. It also highlighted the stress and inconvenience caused when customers are misled into making an inappropriate and expensive purchase. This is reflected by figures showing that last year, Consumer Direct received 4,500 calls from people complaining or asking for advice about mobility aids; advice which is worth sharing now with readers of Able Magazine.
The most important point is that we need to encourage disabled people – like all consumers to utilise their spending power and shop around for the best deal. The OFT estimate the current value of the mobility aids sector at between £430 million and £510 million. This equates to a lot of clout for the purple pound.
So, when shopping around to compare products and prices, make sure you double check the facts to fully understand all the costs, including extras like installation, on-going serving charges and warranties.
Although the advice may seem obvious, doorstep selling can be a particular problem for disabled people with mobility issues, who may find it easier to invite sellers into their homes rather than going directly to the store. Disabled people looking to purchase this equipment may also prefer to invite mobility aid traders to their home so that it can be assessed and measured for the equipment. Even though many traders treat their customers fairly, some use high pressure sales tactics that encourage people to make snap decisions without comparing prices or checking to see if the product is the right one for their needs.
It’s important that people aren’t pressurised into making a hasty decision that could leave them out of pocket or with an item that’s not what they need. That is why the OFT has launched a campaign aiming to help give people the confidence to think twice and to say no if they’re unsure about what’s being offered or want to take the time to discuss their needs with a family member, friend or trusted healthcare professional. (more…)
Is £600m really being paid in disability living allowance to people who don’t qualify?
The disability minister Maria Miller today claimed that £600m of the annual £12.6bn DLA bill is being “overpaid” each year, her key argument for the controversial reforms that will continue their struggle through the Lords today. Is she right
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Is £600m really being paid in disability living allowance to people who don’t qualify?
