My cushion for my wheelchair, was becoming a pain (The center was dipped in).
Due to covid19 I didn’t make a fuss as It was not totally broken, just painful.
By November 2020
It was unusable, however had found a cushion but different type.
My Roho is full of air. The spare is essentially a bean bag chair chousion.
I tried the spare cushion, but was extremely uncomfortable.
To overcome this, I was sitting forward, this lead to Low back pain. So I gave in and called he Wheelchair Service.
In their quest to become the centre for bureaucratic nonsense, The Wheelchair Services need a referral from my Dr. to help.
Now had this been a new request for a wheelchair or a medical based change, i could understand the need for referral, however this was due to a part of the wheelchair breaking.
So I faff with my Dr. get the referral.
Now the Wheelchair Service needs me to attend for an assessment.
I've not been out of my flat sine June/July 2019. Several reason mostly because I get extremely travel sick. The idea makes me anxious, Add in risk of Covid19 and I become a mess.
So an appoitment was made for Wednesday 6th Jan 2021.
On Tuesday 5h Jan 2021
Wheelchair Service call and canclle the appoitment, as the staff are being redeployed to help with Covid19 In hospitals. I was told It would likley be Feb befor I could be seen.
On Monday 11th Jan 2021
I get a phone call offering me an appoitment for next week.
Staff where redeployed to help with Covid19. We asume they have had contact with people n Hospital. These same staff have now been sent back to handle their normal workload.
Haringey have ‘Maximisation’ in an actual Job Title, I’m unsure what can be accomplished.
At some point Haringey underwent a ‘Corporate’ makeover. I suspect this was encouraged by a excel spreadsheet.
The ‘Corporate’ feel unfortunately put profit ahead on service.
Research from the Evening Standard has shown that Haringey had 27 complaints to the ombudsman upheld last year – the highest number of any council in London. It included one case involving a family threatened with homelessness, where the ombudsman said officers “were unaware of current law or your own procedures, or had chosen to disregard them.”
Commenting, Cllr Luke Cawley-Harrison, Leader of the Opposition, said: “Many residents in Haringey will not be surprised2 to see their borough is the worst in London for complaints against their council. These statistics reflect the numerous cases we have raised with us by residents that have been failed by their council rather than supported. Haringey needs to urgently review how it has found itself in this position, and a wholesale change of how the council treats residents needs to take place because it is simply not good enough.”
Being a geek has its advantages. When I became disabled I knew technology would bridge the gap between things I wanted and things I could no longer do!
The general term for this is Home Automation.
Home automation is the use of one or more computers to control basic home functions and features automatically and sometimes remotely. An automated home is sometimes called a smart home
This technology gave me something back when my illness had taken everything away.
When I can home my interest in Home Automation grew. I purchased several device in the Philips Hue range and some in the Samsung Smartthings range.
The Philips Hue is mostly lighting. For example, when entering my kitchen the Light’s are automatic, after 5 minutes they go off.
Recently I thought about my central heating. Along came Tado
Philips Hue
The Philips Hue requires an Internet Bridge. A small-ish white device that has a Cat5 connection to your router & power. The Internet Bridge is the link between internal service such as Alexa and external service like itth.com to the Hue Devices.
Philips Hue Light Strip
Is a LED-based multi-coloured strip of lights. These come in 2m lengths can be extended or cut (at marked points) to fit your needs.
They are self-adhesive and require a UK Plug for power.
Tado
In my search for Home Automation, I’ve had to accept a few annoying things. Hue needs a free Cat5 port on my router, the automatic window opener makes a sound when it opens.
Tado has been a nightmare from the start. I was unclear what I needed so ask Tado.
Hello, I’m disabled and need a quote for a thermostat, and 4 radiator valves. I also need info n warranty and support.
A “custom” quote comes back, with everything, as I’m disabled I add “Profissional Install” I Buy, It arrives. But no Install date, so I Call. To be told you set everything up first then get an install date.
Now I disabled, my manual dexterity is poor. I told them I was disabled, they only said to add “Profissional Install”
Ever since I installed tado every few weeks the batteries in each unit need to be replaced. I am physically unable to do this.
During the summer the heating never comes on, but recently when my Wet room comes on, the radiator in the Loung as gets warm.
Trying to contact Tado Support is impossible!
The Tado system was miss-sold it is not fit for purpose.
I tried doing this is a polite non public way but Littlewoods make that impossible!
Several times Littlewoods have rung my bell to deliver stuff for my neighbour. I have told the driver many many time the
problems a disabled person has answering the Door!
Today they rang the bell, and just dumped the parcel in the Hallway!
On I reported a problem with my hoist to my OT.
The back wheel is getting stiff it is not going in the direction it’s pushed/pulled often bangs into walls.
I was agreed with my OT that mediequip would come look see if it could be repaired or replace it. As it’s a non-standard item my OT believed if it needs to be replaced she would need to go to the panel
I said I would be happy to try a standard hoist, it’s been 5 years since I tried one if it’s adequate a special hoist would not be required.
Mediquip came out a WEEK later to take photos because they did not know what it was!
Mediquip then texted my mother they would be here to fix it. They never turned up so I called them. An appointment was made and confirmed by SMS for Friday 28th July 2017 at 4 pm as no one had attended I called them, was told firstly an engineer had come but got no response. Then they said It can’t be fixed.
I called IAT as mediequip need an order for a replacement! My OT on leave, as such IAT said they can’t help as giving me a hoist without as assessment this could be a risk.
He said someone would call me Monday. No one called!
Tuesday 1st August I called IAT again the lady said the manager would call me, today 12:30 no one has called!
My intention is to complete the complaint process and should the response be unsatisfactory I’ll go to the LGO.
Update
A manager left me a voicemail. They are trying to get the manufacturer (I believe this is mediequip who are the supplier not manufacture) to See if it can be repaired!
I’ve been told by mediequip it can’t be repaired, hence why the appointment on was not kepted.
The hoist is also 5+ years old! It’s never been serviced.
The DWP have said stopping my ESA is standard practice. This was due to me claiming PIP.
This is in violation of the Data Protection Act. DWP Have a duty to make sure all data they hold is accurate.
The 2016-2017 tax year ended on 6 April 2017. Any ESA Payments after this would count toward 2017-2018 Tax.
Due to a DWP cock up my ESA Stopped in September 2016.
I also requested Letter 2017-09-21
As you can see
In 15/16 taxable benefit amount was £6269.66
In 16/17 taxable benefit amount was £2779.34
If we work on the assumption £6269.66 is the taxable amount for a full Tax Year. The personal tax allowance is about £11,000
If we take the £6269.66 and £5793.20 this is over the Allowance.
This has royally fucked my tax. This year is not a worry, but next year I’m going to assume it will take me over the Tax limit so will end up paying tax due to DWP mistake!
Gas wrongly charges disabled man approximately ₤2000 and won’t refund it
In my previous flat, I was a British Gas customer since 2013. I happily paid my bill by Direct Debit. As I’m disabled I never physically checked the meter. In Mid September 2016, I Received a huge bill. Turns out there was a cross meter situation in my old flat. Turns out it was all the flats we each had other people’s meters and were paying each other’s bills! British Gas won’t refund me the payments I’ve made on the wrong meter!!
Detail
I’ve been in contact with www.ombudsman-services.org/sectors/energy After being impressed by their helpful attitude, however having the the report this was misguided and they are useless.
On I moved out of Flat 64 Rosing Apartments, Bromley, BR2 9FN (reference as BR2)
On you read the meter as 07534
On you estimated my meter reading as 12143
This results in an estimated kWh usage of 4789.00 (1)
(see page 4 of bill dated )
On you estimated my meter reading of 12143
On you read the meter as 14950
This results in an actual kWh usage of 2807.00 (2)
(see page 4 of bill dated )
You used estimated reading in this calculation. It can not be referred to as actual
Both 4789(1) + 2807(2) Gives a kWh usage of 7596. This gives a cost of £908.48 add service charge and vat gives a final bill of ₤999.41 (3)
(see page 4 of bill dated )
What makes this reading extra special is (see page 4 of bill dated ) You (British Gas) included my usage from the same period the previous year and I only used 534 kWh
As a disabled young man with most large appliances as gas (Central heating, cooker, shower) I was surprised to get this bill. I call you for assistance, after a lot of hard work I was asked to provide current meter readings from BR2
On I asked my landlord to confirm my meter reading.
On they confirmed the reading, but the meter serial number they quote is different to what you (British Gas) quote.
On I asked the Landlord to confirm the meter serial number.
On the landlord responded confirming my serial number is Z10N019515 You have it as Z10N019509
If wrong you’ve been billing me for the wrong meter for 5 years.
After a very unhelpful conversation with your Customer Support Representative and her equally unhelpful manager, I discovered there is no simple way for you to fix this. According to the representative it’s my responsibility to conduct the “Burn Test” with the assistance of my landlord, the new residents of BR2 and the owners of Z10N019515
Firstly I have no legal power over my landlord or the new tenants.
Secondly, the ground floor residents of Rosing Apartments and myself are all vulnerable adults with a range of disabilities that may not allow for a power interruption. I myself am on your “priority fix” list due to my disabilities.
What’s more annoying is page one of the bill dated You (British Gas) say my account is fine and you’re not changing my payments! I’d say you failing in your duty to keep the customer informed.
I was beginning to feel this was a lot of effort but I received a letter from Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited – I realized you’re incompetent.
I have been discussing this debt with you since September. I’ve said many times I can not conduct the “Burn Test” and have been ignored when giving my reasons – as above. If there is a mistake with the meter serial the compensation will have to be substantial to acknowledge the five-year mistake and the bullish attitude you’ve taken. If the serial Is correct you’re going to explain how I could use 7596 kWh of electricity.
On the bill dated on page 1 it clearly shows a direct debit
Of £212.00
On After a very rude Customer Service Agent at British Gas, I switched my provider.
After a quick google, I see this is a common tactic. Until you provide me with and accurate bill and explain the usage I will not be paying. Your welcome to take me to court.
The final report from the Ombudsman is repetitive and incomplete!
Following the investigation, my decision is that British Gas should:
• apply the Energy UK Code of Practice for Accurate Bills (often referred to as The Code) to the account, and remove charges for unbilled energy usage that are dated more than 12 months from the date of the first accurate bill;
• re-bill the account using the correct electricity meter serial number of Z10N019515 using the closing meter reading of 15035 on 1 September 2016;
• confirm in writing that if you identify British Gas has added any adverse payment information to your credit file due to these issues that have occurred on your account, on receipt of written proof of this from you, it will remove such information and confirm to you in writing on completion of this; generated
• issue a written apology for the inconvenience these issues have caused, which includes an apology for any inconvenience caused by referring the account to external debt collection agencies;
• offer you a payment plan which takes into account your ability to pay;
• credit the account with a £100 gesture of goodwill.
The report disagrees with my assertion of being a British Gas customer for five years. British Gas claim I’ve been a customer since 2013. This fails to acknowledge that I moved into BR2 in 2011. The account would have been in my partner’s name but would have been for the same address. I, however, have lost the will to argue. So will accept 2013
The report talks about Energy UK Code of Practice but fails to provide either the code or a link. A google provides The Code
On Page 10 of The Code we have
5. Back billing
If your supplier is at fault and has not sent you an accurate bill, they will not ask you to pay any extra for the energy you used (and for which you did not receive an accurate bill ) more than one year before they issued the bill.
If we accept I’ve had an account since 2013 (i don’t) and if we accept i’ve been paying £21 a month.
We have to conclude
£21.00 * 96 = £2058 The amount I’ve potentially paid on the wrong meter.
£21.00 * 12 = £252 The amount my Direct Debit has paid for the last year.
That a difference of £1806. British Gas have offered < £30 as a refund.
The “Back Billing Code (above)” says nothing about limits on refunds or ignoring payment made due to the error.
The report also states 15035 on . Is the closing meter reading however it does not explain how a bill was generated from this.
The report fails to comment on
The wording of the Bill in
This in my view is a breach of The Code
“Suppliers will use all available information to produce accurate and clear bills, on time.”
The Code also states… 3.5 Your supplier will make sure that they check unusually high or low bills before they send them out.
The bill had me list as using 7596.00 kWh (£999.41) given the exact year prior I used 534.10 kWh
The unauthorised taking of £212.00 on the bill dated
A breach of the Direct Debit Guarantee
The instance of British Gas I perform the Burn Test despite telling them I was disabled.
This in my view is a breach of the Equality Act 2010 As a Reasonable Adjustment
British Gas Electric Meter
British Gas Electric Meter. Showing the correct meter number
service complaints
Lack of service from the Ombudsman Service
On I contacted the ombudsman (as above) so far I’ve had no acknowledge of my complaint, as such my assertion of them being useless stands.
UPDATE
I got Letter 2017-05-08
I attempted to call the 0800 number and was promptly cutoff by the automated system. So i’ve given up.
UPDATE
On I contacted the ombudsman (as above) with the help of EHU the ombudsman responded. The person I was complaining about looked at the complaint! And surprise surprise found nothing wrong.
UPDATE
I got Call Us 2017-05-17. I initially believed this was due to Leaving these cowboys and was the final bill for my current address. However it’s for BR2 9FN!
Despite the several complaints, the Ombudsman and EHU being involved British Gas feel Harassing a disabled man is ok.
UPDATE
After a very unhelpful call with British Gas I was told several times I did not have an open complaint!
Yet found it with the address, not the Customer Ref Number.
When asked why I left British Gas, it’s due to this level of incompetence.
UPDATE
British Gas will not longer discuss the complaint with me
My aim now is to go public. All correspondents will be published.
UPDATE
UK Energy (the people who wrote the code) have give me Billing code scenarios
This document is weak it explains nothing. However…
7. I have received an unusually high bill. What should I do?
There are many reasons why your bill is higher than expected.
This could be due to a change of use, or your supplier receiving actual readings which are higher than their previous estimated readings. Remember there are significant changes in energy usage between summer and winter, which can result in your bills being higher than expected as can a change in your circumstances. Check that the details on your bill are the same as the details on your meters and that you have accurate meter readings. If you are still concerned, contact your supplier
Again had British Gas followed 3.5 of the code 3.5 Your supplier will make sure that they check unusually high or low bills before they send them out. and checked with me about the 7535 kWH usage this issue would have been discovered in August 2016
UPDATE
If their was a theme to this saga it’s that British Gas are incompetent Email 2017-6-07 from this we see.
This matter has already been before the Energy Ombudsman, and you did not accept their decision. For the avoidance of doubt, back billing credit was already applied to the account in the amount of £620.17, leaving a small balance of ₤24.07 for you to pay. As per our earlier telephone conversation, I confirm I wrote off that amount as a gesture of goodwill leaving the account with a nil balance.
So the ₤24.07 has been written off. We also see they have provided a bill detailing how this ₤24.07 was reached. Statement 2017 04 27
& both have an estimated reading of 15035
The reading of 15035 would have been from the wrong meter serial number.
Old
The 15035 on the wrong meter
New
The 15035 on the new meter
The reading of 15035 has never been explained
It appears on the bill dateed so must be from when the meters where crossed.
As you can see British Gas repeat the lie that this has been to the Energy Ombudsman. They give some dates The Energy Ombudsman Ruled on The bill (with the ₤24.07 debt) was produced on and not given to me until
So this bill has not been referred to the Energy Ombudsman.
The crossed meter issue has been investigated by the Energy Ombudsman this bill produced on has not been looked at by The Energy Ombudsman and Citizen Advice Extra Help Unit.
The Back Billing Code was applied to my account and the bill of was the result.
This Bill resulted in a £24 debt on the Account. British Gas have written off this debt.
If we look at the statement, on page 2 under section 4. We can see two readings
1 Sep 2016 – we read your meter = 15035 (Meter S/N Z10N019509) Electricity_Bill_22Sep16
1 Sep 2016 – we estimated your final meter reading = 15035 (Meter S/N Z10N109515) Statement 2017 04 27
Now 15035 is the same final reading you gave on both bills.
I did not approach British Gas about the possible cross meter until I received the bill dated 22nd September 2016. So they are using the wrong meter reading again.
You have never explained where 15035 came from and why it’s on both bills.
British Gas are refusing to Engage on this say I need to ask the Ombudsman or seek private legal help.
As a disabled man on benefits, legal action is so far out my reach it’s funny.
I called Bromley Social Care (First Response), I was moving from Bromley to Wood Green.
As a disabled man I have a lot of equipment from Bromley. A bed (with air mattress), Hoist & Shower chair and Care Package that provids me with 4 calls a day 365 days a year.
I was informed it was not their responsibility…
I made a formal complaint via phone.
This was a major mistake.
This complaint was confirmed by letter Complaint 2016-07-28
As you can see the crux of my complaint has been understood.
You state you will be moving to Wood Green but say that you have equipment that needs to be moved to your new address. Your complaint is that the council has no procedure in place for service users who move
The advice that was given to you over the telephone yesterday from my colleague obtained from our OT team is that our process is to assess once somebody moves into the borough, and we expect the new borough to work the same.
You expect but don’t know.
We suggest speaking to your GP for a referral to their borough, or indeed if you already have arranged a new GP in the new borough, to ask them to refer you for assessment. With regards to Housing Benefit & Council Tax benefits you will need to reapply in your new borough.
Kind regards
You will notice it totally avoids the question that was confirmed on .
It ignores the obvious lack of a procedure and appropriate training as the answer given by Susan on and supported by OTs was totally wrong.
It however, agrees to assist in the move.
From the until (my move date) Bromley made more and more mistakes.
I was informed by Haringey that they were still not aware of me and my needs.
I again spoke with Bromley Social Services and was assured
Monica Blake
who was dealing with my move would call me back in 5 minutes.
At (10 minutes after
Monica Blake
was due to call) I called again and made another complaint with
Mario Giannini
.
He was very apologetic about the lack of action and appeared to understand the urgent requirement and was going to raise the issue with someone one other than
Monica Blake
.
This never happened, no one from Bromley has called me to Discuss the delays and lack of support from Bromley.
Monica Blake
spoke with my mother (Mrs Pauline McMorrow) it transpired Haringey where informed on Of My care needs.
Effectively giving a Haringey Council three working day (due to being a Bank Holiday)
XXXXXX Care are the care provider picked by Bromley to look after me in Haringey
I’ve seen an email to XXXXXX Care dated providing them with the wrong address.
Again this would appear to have been rushed. As such XXXXXX care had very little time to prepare for my care needs. I had given Bromley over a month to arrange my care and equipment.
Bromley have blamed this wrong address on information they got from my mother.
I have never giving Bromley permission to speak with my mother
I made a second stage two formal complaint. In my email I requested an acknowledgement of my complaint. Bromley Complaint 2 – Move – 8th September 2016
A SAR request for all my records including communication between Bromley and Haringey.
A FOI request for the move procedure.
@danielmcmorrow Hi there’s one stage for adult social care complaints with local authorities. Link to Tweet
This would suggest my second complaint of was not needed and the non-response of would allow me to approach to LGO.
I am very sorry that we have not provided a response. However, I can find no trace of your request having been received by our coordinators. Could you please let me know how and where it was sent, so that I can establish what may have gone wrong and take any action needed to correct this.
The Council says it does not have a policy for moving adults from one area to another, but says it will add this to the list of tasks to be completed by its Editorial Board which meets quarterly.
It also states…
After receiving my draft decision statement, Mr X was aggrieved that the Council had continued to charge him a contribution for the six weeks for which it funded his care. He said it only charged him because it had delayed in transferring his case to the new council.As Mr X received the care for which he was charged a contribution, however,he did not suffer any injustice as a result of the charge
Now the Care Act, That the LGO quote in the Final Decision says… continuity-of-care-and-support-when-adult-moves the relevant suctions are under Continuity of care and support when adult moves parts 37 & 38
38. (1) If, on the day of the intended move as mentioned in section 37(1)(b), (2)(b) or (3)(b), the second authority has yet to carry out the assessment or assessments under section 37(6), or has done so but has yet to take the other steps required under this Part in the adult’s case, it must—
(a)meet the adult’s needs for care and support, and the needs for support of any carer who is continuing as the adult’s carer, which the first authority has been meeting, and
(b)where the first authority has been keeping a care account in the adult’s case, itself keep that account on the same basis as the first authority has been keeping it.
Too me the above suggests it should have been Haringey (the second authority) that paid not Bromley (the first authority)
Mr X complained to the Ombudsman about the length of time the Council had taken to transfer his care to the new council. He said the social worker had only given the new council three days notice of his transfer. He said the care agency had missed the first call because it had been given the wrong address, but the Council had tried to say it was his mother who had given the agency that address.
On the District Nursing staff told the social worker that they could not order Mr X’s new equipment until he registered with a GP in the new council area, as they worked to individual GPs. When Mr X’s mother telephoned the new council (as advised by the social worker) to check arrangements, the member of staff at the new council said they did not have details of Mr X.
So the Social Worker recommend mother contact my new council. From the wording of the document I understand Social Worker works for Bromley.
In my SARs shows Bromley employees Monica Blake, Tameka Morrison and Jo Fielder spoke
with my mother Pauline McMorrow now either you did speak with her or the SARs is fictitious
Either Bromley broke The Data Protection with regards to talking with my mother or the broke it with forged SARs disclosure.
Dear Mr McMorrow,
Thank you for your request received yesterday under the Freedom of
Information Act for information relating to an Editorial Board.
I am not aware of this body. Please contact me if you have any further
information that might explain what it is and I will endeavor to provide
the information that you require if we hold it.
Thanks,
Graham Walton
This would suggest Bromley lied to the LGO when they said.
The Council says it does not have a policy for moving adults from one area to another, but says it will add this to the list of tasks to be completed by its Editorial Board which meets quarterly.
I made a the above FOI request using www.whatdotheyknow.com. FOI Requests Have a 20 (working) day limit. Bromley yet again failed to respond.
Dear Bromley Borough Council,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.
I am writing to request an internal review of Bromley Borough Council’s handling of my FOI request ‘Editorial Board’.
I have once again referred this to the ICO.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/editorial_board
I’m more and more convinced Bromley is run my failed used car salesmen. The ineptitude and stupidity is amazing.
Today I received Dom 2017-05-08 till 2017-06-04
I’ve lost count of the number of time I’ve told Bromley I won’t be paying.
I keep getting invoices from Bromley. It’s embarrassing.
However it reminded me to contact The LGO *again*
I pointed out Response – 7th October 2016
It clearly says
An interim care package of six week was arranged and funded by LBB to ensure as smooth a transition as possible
My main objection apart from Bromley saying they would or Care Act Parts 37 & 38 being totally different. Is the amount
£62.45 x 6 (weeks) £374.70
When I move to Haringey they assessed my cage as £54.73 x 6 (weeks) £328.38
I’m getting very depressed at the current flurry of “Basic Income” posts on Facebook. I’ve seen figures from £100 to £155 bounced around but with a serious lack of insight and sensible discussion.
I disabled as result I don’t work. I’m in receipt of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support And Employment Support Allowance – These are means tested meaning if I had saving or a job I’d not qualify for them.
I also get Disability Living Allowance is not means tested.
I hate benefits, I had a huge legal battle with my former employer for my job. Over three years I was constantly told I was unfit – After a while you start to believe it!
Side Note. The benefits of working are not just financial.
So let’s take a simple example. Rent. We all pay rent.Currently my Housing Benefit pay towards my Rent. Due to the Bedroom Tax I have to contribute towards my rent.
Without Housing Benefit (as I understand a Basic Income, would replace it) I have to find £146.29
Council Tax is the same I still have to contribute. I’m in band d, so £19.01 – I assume I still get my discounts.
Care is the same I have to Contribute. £62.55 a week
Care– Without my home based care I could not function. They are needed in everyday tasks. I get 4 single handed visits a day.
I then have Gas, Electric and food.
Internet/Mobile These would not be seen as needed but without my social network goes bye bye. Along with my ability to shop. (online shopping is a life saver)
The House of Lords had previously blocked a Government plan to cut Employment and Support Allowance – and said ministers should first conduct an impact assessment into what the cuts’ effects would be.
…and then…
But on Wednesday Tory MPs overruled the peers, voting to push ahead with the cuts without looking at what their effect might be.
Before I discuss the cuts a side note…The Minister for Disabled People – Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People We’d like to think Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People would have an insight into the effects of disability or at least be on the side of disabled people as a parliamentary advocate. Wełl he’s a tit – Bad Luck.
I have more to say on Minister for Disabled People – Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled Peoplehere
The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) is a part of Equality Act 2010.
On page 3 of the above document it say…
The Equality Duty is a duty on public bodies and others carrying out public functions.
It ensures that public bodies consider the needs of all individuals in their day to day work – in shaping policy, in delivering services, and in relation to their own employees.The new Equality Duty supports good decision making
– it encourages public bodies to understand how different people will be affected by their activities so that policies and services are appropriate and accessible to all and meet different people’s needs. By understanding the effect of their activities on different people, and how inclusive public services can support and open up people’s opportunities, public bodies are better placed to deliver policies and services that are efficient and effective. The Equality Duty therefore helps public bodies to deliver the Government’s overall objectives for public services.
The Equality Duty is set out in section 149 of the Act.
It could be argued that by not doing a Impact Assessment, the government are failing to adhere to PSED.
And they are choosing not to do an Impact Assessment.
It would be wrong to publish a MPs vote on a very public subject as Disabilit Benefits, just like cutting rates of big business at the expense of the disabled.
Firstly it’s worth noting MPs are elected to represent the views of their constituents. Mr Cameron is on record advocating “transparency”
Secondly our views (and him) are protected in the Human Rights Act as free speech.
Thirdly (most important) You could argue this is “wasting police time” no law was broken at best he could have reported the Tweet or Facebook Post.
Andrew Jones MP has argued that his decision to vote in favour of a £30-a-week cut to disability benefits will help claimants get back into work.
If you’re in WRAG & experience of Access to Work (AtW) please contact me! (All comments will be totally anonymous)
When I asked Access to Work for help I was constandly told I’m not ellagable as I get ESA the offical rules however state…
not be getting Employment Support Allowance/Incapacity Benefit
and/or NI credits only (or will cease to claim whilst in work) unless the
customer is about to start a Work Trial. This includes Severe
Disablement Allowance and Income Support (where paid as a result
of incapacity for work). Unless the customer is in the Permitted Work
Higher Level, Permitted Work (PCA exempt) or Supported Permitted
Work and…
Page 5 Atw Staff Guide
The important part is or will cease to claim whilst in work
So the Flagship scheme to assist Disabled People into work is ruled out if you get ESA
So Andrew Jones what help are you referring to?
People with brain tumours, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and a number of other conditions are “able to work”, new work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb has said.
You would think as an MP you would be very cautious of your written comments, even with “The Right to be Foggton” the Internet can be very unforgiving!
Writing bold, unsubstantiated statements on your Facebook wall is all kinds of stupid!
I am absolutely clear that a compassionate and fair welfare system should not just be about numbers. Behind every statistic is a human being – and perhaps sometimes in Government we forget that.
Total utter rubbish! The Lords recommend an Impact Assessment and they ignored them. This is a party trying to look as if they care by admitting a “mistake”
As far as I’m aware Impact Assessment have been requested for all major cuts.