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United Response: Campaign For a Fair Society launches eight-point Manifesto

United Response: Campaign For a Fair Society launches eight-point Manifesto

The Campaign For a Fair Society is launching its manifesto for a better future at an event at the House of Lords today (12th March).

The campaign was born in 2010 in response to concerns that spending cuts would fall disproportionately on the most vulnerable groups in society. Using the Government’s own figures, the eight-point manifesto being launched today shows that £23.7 billion of annual cuts will fall on disabled people, older people and those living in poverty – 58% of all cuts. Furthermore, the manifesto highlights that 25% of all cuts will target the 2% of people who need the most support.

The manifesto argues that not only are these cuts unfair, but they are also inefficient. Failing to invest now will lead to more costly problems later on as people’s physical and mental health deteriorates and incidences of family breakdown and institutionalisation increase.

The manifesto calls on governments in England, Wales and Scotland to recognise the right of everyone to live a full life, with meaning and respect and puts forward eight proposals for a fair society. These measures include strengthening of the current Human Rights Act, better access to early support, a clearer system of entitlements and the right to a fair income.

Steven Rose, Chair of the England Steering Group of the Campaign for a Fair Society, said:

“The current system is inherently unfair. It fails to recognise the right of everyone to be treated as full citizens, with a valuable contribution to make and a full and meaningful life to lead.

“As more and more cuts are made to the income and support available to the most vulnerable and those living in poverty, the worse things will get for everyone.

“The Campaign for a Fair Society’s manifesto shows that there is an alternative – a society where everyone is treated equally, regardless of age, differences or disabilities. If we all have the vision and are willing work together to realise it, then we can create a society that is fair for everyone.”

To read the manifesto in full, go to www.campaignforafairsociety.org

 

Ends

For further information please contact Sarah Bartlett or Jaime Gill in the United Response Press Office on 020 8246 5237/ 07980915749 or 0208 246 5122 or email jaime.gill@unitedresponse.org.uk or sarah.bartlett@unitedresponse.org.uk

 

Notes to editors:

 

Set up in 2010, the Campaign for a fair Society is a diverse, UK-wide alliance of organisations and individuals campaigning for a society that values, includes and supports all of its citizens.

It is independent of all political parties. It represents the interests of disabled people and everyone who is disadvantaged by the laws, policies and systems in the UK.

The Campaign for a Fair Society is a federation with equal representation from England, Scotland and Wales.

The Campaign for a fair Society welcomes support from everyone who wants a fairer society. To find out more, go to www.campaignforafairsociety.org

8 ways to create a fair society

The Campaign for a Fair Society demands that the UK government reverses its unfair cuts and creates a better welfare system.

The Campaign calls on governments in England, Wales and Scotland to create real reforms:

1. Human rights

A fair society is built on a foundation of human rights. The law and welfare systems should be judged by their success in upholding these rights.

There are already important agreements about welfare – The European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People. These international standards for decency should be built into our own law. The current Human Rights Act should be strengthened, not weakened, and it should become easier for citizens to hold the system to account.

2. Clear entitlements

It is difficult to know what money, care and support we can get because the system is confusing. We need a new system with clear entitlements. It must be easy for people to know what money, care and support they can get. They must have enough money to live on and be active citizens.

3. Early support

If we need help from services we often can’t get it until we reach crisis point. This is a bad way of spending money. It causes problems like family breakdown and health crises. People must get help as soon as possible. It is a better use of money because people can deal with problems when they are smaller. People can be more independent. Families are more likely to stay together. More people can get help for the same money.

4. Equal access

Services for older and disabled people are often not the ones everyone else uses. Separate and institutional services cut people off from ordinary life, friends and neighbours.

We want all people to have the same opportunities – in housing, work, education, leisure and relationships. Then people will be part of their community. They will get the chance to put something in as well as get support.

5. Choice and control

Often, people can only get help if they give up their independence. We need a new system that helps people to keep control – to make their own choices and control their own life.

6. Fair incomes

People who are entitled to benefits can be trapped in poverty. It can be difficult to break out and get a job or get involved in the community – especially if you are disabled. We need a new system that gives everyone a reasonable income. We need a system that makes it worth getting a job, saving money and getting involved in community life.

7. Fair taxes

The tax system falls hardest on people who need social care. Complicated rules hide this fact. Local authorities and the Independent Living Fund charge for services and, often, you can’t get help if you have modest savings. The benefit system also disguises a series of unfair taxes. We need a fair system that doesn’t have hidden taxes that fall on older and disabled people and people in poverty. Services must be free to people who use them. Taxes would fund these services – paid for by everyone equitably.

8. Financial reform

The banking and finance systems have not worked in favour of the whole of society. A new system must change how banks and financial institutions work. They must offer value and benefit to everyone and bear responsibility for the common good. We need a system based on fairness – one that is sustainable for all.

 

Sarah Bartlett

Press Manager

United Response

Vantage House, 1 Weir Road,

London SW19 8UX

 

Direct line: 0208 246 5237

Email:sarah.bartlett@unitedresponse.org.uk

 

United Response is a national charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities.

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