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Charnwood Labour Hails Help for Local Disabled People

Posted on 22/07/2008

disabled sign painted on a road

Labour is proposing to double the funding available to help local disabled people get into or stay in work. The budget for Access to Work, which pays for help such as sign language interpreters, wheelchair lifts, specialised equipment and transport costs is to be doubled under plans backed by Eric Goodyer, Labours Prospective MP for Charnwood. The scheme is now open for consultation and the Government wants to hear your views.

Eric Goodyer is asking local employers to support the government’s commitment by opening up more opportunities for disabled people:

“This new proposed funding will help disabled people in Charnwood to take control of their own lives. Access to Work is simple it enables disabled people to do work of their choice which they otherwise could not do, and gives them control over the support they receive.”

“We need to hear your views on these plans, so please send them in to the consultation email box at welfare.reform@dwp.gsi.gov.uk “

Announcing the plan to give more support to disabled people in Charnwood, James Purnell Labour’s Work and Pension secretary said he wanted to listen to the views of local disabled people:

“We should make sure that disabled people who feel they can’t work get all the support they need but we should never write off a disabled person by telling them they can never work. This isn’t just about paying for more wheelchair lifts or sign language interpreters. We want to see a culture change in the approach of employers to disabled people by making it easier for them to employ disabled people.”

“I want to hear the experiences and opinions of people with disabilities in Charnwood. What would help you get back to work? What barriers have you faced in looking for a job? What more could the government do to open up opportunities for you?”