The DPCG has been instrumental, alongside other groups, in raising the issue of disability poverty and working collectively to find solutions. Over the last three years, the DPCG has been active in anti-poverty campaigning and has recently set up a webpage where all our policy and campaign work can be viewed. The page will be continually updated, and DPOs and disability focused groups can apply to join via the contact details.
The letter to the PM, sent yesterday, asks for a positive relationship with the new UK Government, which promised in its manifesto to listen to and work with Disabled people. The manifesto also promised that “Championing the rights of Disabled people and the principle of working with us, so that our views and voices will be at the heart of all we do.”
The content of the letter urges Labour to work with the DPCG as an experienced coalition to institute a radical disability focused reform programme, to tackle disablist policy making and systemic oppression and injustice, to create a society where everyone has equal life chances and is valued and treated equally, as mentioned in the Disabled peoples manifesto.
Dan White one of the co-leads of the DPCG said “Having unsuccessfully tried to influence the previous government, despite numerous calls for change, it became apparent that collaboration was not on the agenda.”
“Included in the letter we sent are five key areas which need urgent focus if we are to start to pull Disabled people out of poverty and provide opportunities. Amongst the principal recommendations for urgent change and collaboration are, a commitment to honour UNCRPD, action on fuel poverty, benefits and the cancellation of carer accumulated debt.”
“We sincerely hope that with a new Government there will be a new attitude to the lives and priorities of Disabled people. Poverty, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis cannot continue. We hope that this letter, copied to the new disability minister Sir Stephen Timms and the DWP Secretary of State, Liz Kendall, will be responded to and acted upon.”
You can read the full letter down below.