Welfare Reform on the Web (September 2007): Services for the disabled - UK

The independent living funds: what does the future hold?

M. Henwood and B. Hudson

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 15, Aug. 2007, p. 36-42

The Independent Living Fund (ILF) was first set up in 1988 to provide cash to support severely disabled people living at home who were at risk of losing the value of domestic assistance allowances provided under the old supplementary benefit system. When it was established the ILF was the first example of a 'cash for care' scheme in the UK. However, with the arrival of direct payments and the development of individual budgets, the role of the ILF comes into question. This article presents the findings of an independent review of the ILF which recommended that it should not have an ongoing separate existence, but should eventually be merged with individual budgets.

The politics of sexual citizenship: commercial sex and disability

T. Sanders

Disability and Society, vol. 22, 2007, p. 439-455

Using empirical data from sex workers and men who buy sex, this paper argues that the commercial sex industry plays a part in enhancing the quality of life of some men who live with impairments. This relationship is discussed in the context of the politics surrounding both commercial sex and sexual rights. It is argued that sex workers and people living with impairments are marginalised groups fighting for sexual rights, autonomy and freedom. The disability and sex workers' rights movements should co-operate.

Rage at Remploy cuts

A. Taylor

Community Care, Aug. 9th 2007, p. 26-28

Remploy is a government-funded company that provides employment for disabled people. There are plans to close or merge various factories, affecting about 2,270 disabled people. Government intends to help Remploy workers find jobs with mainstream employers. There are serious doubts that this is a practical proposition.