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Damning report shows the government is failing disabled people
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned of dire consequences due to the UK and Welsh governments’ inaction on issues faced by disabled people.
The EHRC’s report, recently submitted to the United Nations (UN), highlights ongoing discrimination against disabled people, resulting in increased risks of poverty, abuse and poor health. The report recognised that the cost of living pressures were making the situation even worse.
The report evaluated the UK and Welsh governments’ implementation of the 11 recommendations from the UN Inquiry in 2016 into the rights of disabled people in the UK and found a number of areas where it was stalling. These include welfare system issues, engagement with disabled individuals and public services.
It found:
– Current financial pressures had been amplified since the 2016 recommendations.
– Over half of disabled people struggled with energy bill payments in 2022.
– Disabled individuals experienced extended benefit waiting times and increased reliance on food banks.
Mark Ridler, our director of programmes commented:
“We are disappointed with the government for not implementing the recommendations from the 2016 United Nations report. Our 2023 What Matters survey shows that 57% of Spinal Cord Injured people experienced a negative impact on their health due to the cost-of-living crisis. It is vital the government implement the recommendations now and incorporate them into the Disability Action Plan”.