My local MP, who I have lobbied many times, tells me he gets a lot of letters about potholes but hardly any about social care or the benefits system. This is quite extraordinary, bearing in mind the cuts to both. When it comes to the voting season, what will our elected representatives pay attention to?
There is a lot of appetite and interest amongst the people I support to get their voices heard and a seat at the table when planning services and making decisions.
It was fantastic to see Mencap organising a mass #hearmyvoice lobby and join people who had travelled from all over the country to meet their MPs at the Palace of Westminster.
Matthew’s MP, Flick Drummond, looked after us really well. We later heard that 17 people had travelled from one region and their MP hadn’t turned up.
Flick told us about a debate she’d spoken at in the House of Commons the day before on employment and people with disabilities. Reading the notes from the debate it was clear we’ve not made much progress on employment since the days of Valuing People over 15 years ago. We’re wasting time, resources and energy and need to inform the debate on what does work (local connections, a benefits system which truly supports people to enter and stay in employment) and what doesn’t (the Work Programme ‘parking’ people and putting in disincentives such as cutting £30 a week from the work related groups who receive Employment & Support Allowance).
The Aldingbourne Trust is an active member of the Campaign for a Fair Society and founder member of Learning Disability England. I am excited at the development of a stronger voice for people who have learning disabilities and will continue to back this essential movement to make sure people who need support speak from their own experience and shape decision making. Gary Bourlet and the work of Learning Disability England is an inspiration.
Let’s all do our part to make sure people get as much airtime, letters, meetings, emails and messages as potholes!
For information on the Campaign for a Fair Society please visit www.campaignforafairsociety.com.
Sue Livett, CEO, Aldingbourne Trust
