Jottings

26th August 2009

During the past few weeks I have been observing the developments surrounding the government’s proposals to transfer Attendance Allowance and the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to local Social Services in an attempt to top up the decreasing budgets for social care. The proposal was announced in the recently published Green Paper titled "Shaping the Future of Care Together". Several of the large national charities have published their condemnation of the proposals which many feel will remove the independence for hundreds of thousands of disabled people by disempowering them as they become reliant on seeking approval from care managers before they make decisions that affect their daily lives. I remember back to the early 1990’s when there were similar debates about the entitlement of DLA for working disabled people. At the time I turned down an excellent job opportunity due to incorrect advice and fear of losing what is for many of us a vital welfare benefit, providing an element of independence and autonomy.

On a more personal note and looking forward to the weekend I am planning a trip down to Wembley to support the Warrington Wolves win, sorry, in the Challenge Cup Final against Huddersfield Giants. I hope I was right the first time. Getting through to the final has brought a great buzz to the town. A trip down to the Wolves Wolfware shop proves that everyone, young and old is rooting for a long awaited win. It is 19 years since Warrington last played at Wembley, at a time when I was recovering from the trauma after my accident. Travelling to London was the last thing on my mind. But this weekend it is at the top of the list, not least to see what I’ve been told are world class facilities for disabled spectators. I’ll let you know.

Finally, as I was writing this week’s blog my son Gavin and daughter-in-law Caroline called on their way to the hospital. Caroline is possibly in the early stages of labour. This could be a really great weekend all round.