Currently the individual London boroughs all contribute to a total fund of £26.4 million per year to a scheme which funds charities that work across several boroughs or right across London, providing vital support for disabled people and other disadvantaged groups. These are specialist services which it would not be practical or economic to duplicate in every individual borough.
This scheme has been in existence for many years, and has been an important and valued form of support for many London charities. The London Councils are now proposing to end this scheme, and withdraw funding for all or most organisations from 31st March 2011. This would give no time for organisations to find alternative sources of funding, and may mean closure or abrupt ending of services that people have come to depend upon.
Funding from the London Councils provides Disability Law Service with the ability to provide specialist legal advice and casework; representation at employment and benefits tribunals; training and capacity building for many groups across London; and valuable outreach activities to involve and empower disabled people and help them to understand the law.
If you would like to support Disability Law Service in fighting the premature ending of London Councils funding, please send a letter to your local councillors and MP.
We have provided two template letters for you to use, one for individuals and one for London organisations and groups.
Also, if you would like to send us any comments about the support you have received from Disability Law Service, please email us at advice@dls.org.uk
Thank you for your support