Our Social Policy Work in 2012-16

Merton CIL Welfare Reform Summary October 2016

We were asked to report on the impact of Welfare Reform by London Borough of Merton’s Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

You can read our report here: Welfare Reform Summary

You can read the full minutes of the meeting on the Council’s website, here:

https://democracy.merton.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=151&MId=2528

Merton CIL Briefing on PIP Assessment Challenges October 2016

Read our report here: Merton CIL Briefing on PIP Assessment Challenges October 2016

Since we wrote this report, Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh held an Adjournment Debate in Parliament on the issue. You can see her speech on her website: http://www.siobhainmcdonagh.org.uk/newsroom/news.aspx?p=105231

Merton CIL response to plans for wheelie bins in Merton - 27th July 2016

Merton CIL Response To The Communities And Local Government Select Committee’s Inquiry Into The Financial Sustainability Of Local Authority Adult Social Care And The Quality Of Care Provided - August 2016

Read our response here: Merton CILs response

Find out a bit more here about what the Inquiry is all about: http://www.mertoncil.org.uk/services/speaking-up/is-the-funding-available-for-a/

The Final recommendations will appear on this website when they are published: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/communities-and-local-government-committee/news-parliament-2015/adult-social-care-launch-16-17/

Cuts to Adult Social Care for 2016-17

Read more about our work trying to prevent cuts here: http://www.mertoncil.org.uk/services/speaking-up/cuts-to-adult-social-care-for/

Children and young people’s mental health and well-being taskforce Nov 2014

Possible Closure of Welfare Assistance Fund Oct 2014

Personal Independence Payment Independent Review Aug 2014

Capital Call Under Threat – Spring 2014

Response to Commons Select Committee on Employment and Support Allowance and Work Capability Assessments March 2014

Fulfilling Potential: Making it Happen – Better Working with Disabled People consultation, October 2013

Response to Law Commission Review on Hate Crime September 2013

Response to consultation on the PIP assessment Moving around Activity August 2013

YES to safer cycling, no to sharing narrow footways! October 2012

London Borough of Merton Plans to withdraw Discretionary Freedom Passes for People with Mental Health Needs in Merton - October 2012

Consultation by London Councils on Proposals to Introduce charging for lost, stolen, damaged and faulty passes July 2012

We considered this a tax on disabled people and responded saying that there should be no charge for lost cards unless negligence by the cardholder could be proven. We also said that any charge introduced should not exceed £5.

We were very disappointed to learn that a £10 charge for lost cards was introduced on 1st November 2012 http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedompass/news/pressdetail.htm?pk=1534

Consultation by Department of Transport on Changes to Blue Badge Eligibility July 2012

We understand there are proposals to introduce a charge for blue badges and Merton CIL have pointed out that disabled people are facing a number of attacks on their benefits with changes to housing benefit including the bedroom tax, cuts in taxi card budgets and other welfare and social care services. We are opposed to the introduction of charges but if they have to be introduced then they should be kept to a minimum. We also think councils should issue reminders for the renewal of the badges upon expiry.

We are still waiting for the outcome of the consultation https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/personal-independence-payment-and-eligibility-for-a-blue-badge