Disability Law Service (DLS) is a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO) dedicated towards providing free legal advice, casework and representation for Deaf & Disabled people.
DLS is deeply concerned about the cuts to disability benefits announced by the UK Government recently in their Green Paper. Every day, we speak to Deaf & Disabled people are struggling with the increasing cost of living, and even to pay for the essentials.
While DLS is aware that the announced changes to disability benefits won’t take effect until 2026 or later, disability benefits are already very difficult to access, and the advice sector is already under pressure, and the Government should not be seeking to save money at the expense of Deaf & Disabled people.
DLS CEO Andrew MacKay has said: “The announced cuts to disability benefits are truly worrying. We urge the UK Government to rethink its proposals. Deaf and Disabled people need better health and social care, accessible housing, accessible workplaces, and disability benefits that will not push us into poverty.
We stand with the Disability Benefits Consortium in condemning the changes, and support Scope’s campaign to stop the cuts. To speak out against the cuts, you can write to your MP, or respond to the consultation, sign up to our mailing list, or get involved in the wider work of DLS.”
Over the past 12 months, DLS has experienced a significant surge in demand for our legal and benefits advice services. This increase is being driven by many factors, including the cost-of-living crisis, changes in Government legislation, the closure of law centres across the country, cuts to legal aid, and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The vision of DLS is to work towards an equitable and accessible society, eliminating discrimination and upholding the rights of Deaf & Disabled people, their carers and families. We exist to challenge the daily poverty and inequality faced by Deaf & Disabled, by securing access to justice and advocating for systemic change.
If you would like to play a valuable role in helping DLS achieve this ambitious vision and mission, and in tackling the proposed changes to disability benefits, please consider joining DLS as a trustee to support us in improving the lives of Deaf and Disabled people.