Enhancing Independent Living Rights: Amendments to the Care Bill 2013
The ongoing discussions surrounding the Care Bill 2013 emphasize the importance of independent living for disabled individuals. Key proposals include extending aggravated hate crime definitions and ensuring the portability of care services. Amendments aim to lower eligibility thresholds and establish stronger advocacy roles for local authorities. With deadlines for consultations approaching, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their MPs to advocate for vital changes that promote rights and well-being. Participation in consultations can influence the future of care and support for disabled people.
Enhancing Independent Living Rights: Amendments to the Care Bill 2013
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Presentation Transcript
Policy update August 2013 • Care Bill 2013 • Key consultations
2 Key Consultations • Hate crime - the Case for Extending the Existing Offences: Deadline 27 September Extend ‘Aggravated offences’ and ‘Stirring up hatred’ to include offences of hostility on grounds of disability • Making it Happen - Better Working with Disabled People‘, ODI Fulfilling Potential: Deadline 16 October Links Hate Crime http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/consultations Better Working: www.odi.gov.uk
Care Bill 2013 • Opportunity of life time: Put Independent Living at heart of Care Bill 2013 • Other amendments needed, include portability of care
What’s happening to care and support/Independent Living? Attacks from Government, Councils and Courts: • Decision to close the Independent Living Fund. Judicial review lost - appealing • £890 million cut 2012 – 2013. • £8 billion cut by 2015 • 83% support ‘Substantial’ needs only • Worcestershire County Council’s – capping spending on home care: Judge in high court refused to scrap policy
1st of Top 5 amendments to Care Bill 2013 • Promoting independent living and well-being • Wider definition of independent living as under the UN Convention, including rights to: education, employment , participation in political life, leisure and sport.
Top 5 amendments to Care Bill 2013 continued 2. Eligibility threshold set at a lower level 3. Equivalent support as provided by ILF to ensure independent living - on-going basis. 4. Local authorities have a duty to provide independent advocacy 5. Portability of care: care and support to be provided - ‘equivalent’ or ‘enhanced’ as the sending authority.
What you can do • Encourage disabled people to fill in the Care case study template • Give feedback Inclusion London’s key amendments document – to be circulated shortly. Support final document for MPs • Send a letter to your MP – Inclusion London’s will provide template • Meet with your MP to explain why changes are needed • When? Before Care Bill 2013 in House of Commons - October/ November?
