Since we finished our response to the PIP assessment consultation, on 30 April, people have been asking how they can help. It’s a very good question, and we’re giving careful consideration to how we can move forward.
Unfortunately, as most of our fellow campaigners know only too well, things take longer when we’re all ill and/or disabled. But there’s always plenty to do – so here are some ideas while we regroup:
# Study the latest PIP consultation: DLA reform and Personal Independence Payment – completing the detailed design and start thinking about how you will respond. We won’t be producing a simplified version of this particular consultation, as it’s not nearly as complex as the last one, but we’ll discuss it in the Forum.
# If you haven’t already, read the WeareSpartacus response to the PIP assessment consultation: The ‘We are Spartacus’ community responds to Government. Why not email or write to your MP, drawing attention to our response, and explain your concerns about how the PIP proposals are likely to affect you personally? You could ask him or her to commit to supporting you if you have problems with PIP when it comes in.
# Sign up to ‘follow’ this website (see left hand column), so you don’t miss our updates.
# Join the Spartacus Forum, at www.spartacusforum.org.uk - this is where the real work happens! We’re planning to create work groups in the Forum to develop different aspects of the campaign. There are also boards where you can discuss issues with other Forum members, and a chat room.
# Make sure you and all your friends and family have signed Pat’s Petition, at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20968. There are currently just over 36,000 signatures, but we need 100,000 for politicians to take notice, so we can’t be complacent.
These are just a few ideas to be going on with. And a final thought – when we’re frightened and angry, we mustn’t forget the Spartacus principles, developed and honed since the original Spartacus Report, Responsible Reform, was published in January:
- We’re not aggressive – rather, we gain credibility by the rigour of our analysis and the accuracy of our work.
- We believe political influence comes from having a respectful attitude (hard, sometimes!), being respected for our achievements and, often, from working quietly behind the scenes.
- We support rather than criticise other groups and charities and try to fill the gaps they can’t cover.
In fact, if you’re new to us, why not read The Spartacus Story, published on 14 February, to find out how all this began…
and watch this space!
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I happened to catch the Parlimentry Work Assessment Debate today on television. As i am a Disabled this was of great intrest to me, i was surprised that MP’s from all Parties!! had harrowing tales to tell of their constituents and that most of the MP’s takeing part from all Parties were in agreement that, Atos is degradeing and disrespectful to disabled people as well as to the Doctors and Specailist who are treating and supplying reports. These latter have studied for years to achieve their proffessions and it is a insult to the Whole Medical Proffession to have their proffessional opinon over thrown, by a Gov paid company with little or no experince in the illness’s that they assessing apart from a quick training course.
It has taken years of Blood tests/scans/Doctors and hospital visits and investigation and elimination to find out what is causeing my own particular disability, how can a 40 miniute consultation with a stranger overthrow the all those years of perserverance with a flick of a pen.
I made myself sick with worry over the assessment and was given zero points, but for me i was lucky the decision was over turned with a phone call appeal,(They admitted their a error in the points i was awarded. their were omissions and their were a few out right lies written by the assessor and i had a witness)
I am makeing myself sick with apprehension because i will now face assessment of my mobility which i recieve at the higher rate for mobility and middle rate for care componment. Some days i just want my life to be over because i am tired of fighting.
I paid my dues, i started work at 15, i became a working one parent family at 17 and put my son through university, i looked after my mother till her death and i did not even know their was such a thing as carers allowance, i then looked after my father till his death,my own health nosed dived, but i went disabled back to work for two years, i got nothing left to give, im done. If they stop or reduce or make me appeal for my mobility (PIP)benifits. I think i will have a brain storm and go crazy you can push people so far till they snap.
I feel so much better for being able to write my concerns and fears. thank you. Respectfully Susan