Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Six disabled people are taking ministers to the High Court over a decision to scrap a scheme enabling them to stay in their homes.
Cash from the Independent Living Fund (ILF) allows claimants to buy extra care and get help with tasks such as laundry and shopping. The fund is being wound up and the money diverted to local councils to put towards their social care budgets.
The six challengers, led by 73-year-old Anne Pridmore, who has cerebral palsy, will argue that the Government did not consult adequately over the moves or make the case for the changes.
Opponents say claimants are likely to have their benefits cut because of the cash squeeze on councils, forcing them to rely on relatives or charity to live independently, or to go into care homes. Nearly 20,000 ILF claimants are receiving letters alerting them to the changes. Disabilities rights campaigners will stage a vigil outside the Royal Courts of Justice to back the legal challenge, which is expected to last two days.
Richard Hawkes, head of the charity Scope, said 20,000 people would lose help with the “basics in life”. He said: “Not getting the support to wash, dress and leave your home is unacceptable.”
Kate Whittaker, a solicitor advising the challengers, said: “[This could] have a massive impact on people… The Government has to be very careful with the decision-making and they just have not got it right.”
The Department for Work and Pensions said it would “robustly” defend the decision to shut the fund. A spokesman said: “The ILF was closed to new users in 2010 and we are now devolving funding to local authorities to ensure the remaining users have their needs met in a single cohesive system.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments