Welfare Reform on the Web (March 2004): Services for the Disabled - UK

KEEPING THE CASH UNDER CONTROL: WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH DIRECT PAYMENTS IN SCOTLAND?

C. Pearson

Disability and Society, vol.19, 2004, p.3-14

Article draws on interviews with policymakers in two local authorities in Scotland to examine some of the key problems which, to date, have prevented many councils from offering direct payments as a mainstream service for disabled people. Resistance has arisen from:

• a perception that direct payments are part of a drive to privatise social services;
• an ignorance of the principles of independent living that underpin them.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

Professional Social Work, Feb. 2004, p.14-15

2003 was the European Year of Disabled People. Disabled people and disability organisations give their views of its impact.