RADAR boss to team up with Lib-Con government
Jonny | 01.12.2010 12:04 | Social Struggles
The government is trying to neutralise the disability lobby by giving a paid part-time job to the boss of RADAR.
Liz Sayce, the Chief Executive of RADAR, the UK's leading pan-disability organisation, has been asked by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan-Smith, to chair a government committee which will "review work programmes designed to support disabled people". She will be paid to do the job.
RADAR staff and committee members have been told this confidential until later this week and there has been little discussion about the invitation. Many within RADAR regard the appointment as important for RADAR's reputation but there is considerable concern that only a few people have been told about the decision let alone allowed to debate it. Although it will clearly boost its reputation within the corridors of power it will mean that RADAR will find it more difficult to represent the needs and expectations of over 11 million disabled people in the UK.
Please send protests to RADAR about this proposed appointment -
radar@radar.org.uk.
RADAR staff and committee members have been told this confidential until later this week and there has been little discussion about the invitation. Many within RADAR regard the appointment as important for RADAR's reputation but there is considerable concern that only a few people have been told about the decision let alone allowed to debate it. Although it will clearly boost its reputation within the corridors of power it will mean that RADAR will find it more difficult to represent the needs and expectations of over 11 million disabled people in the UK.
Please send protests to RADAR about this proposed appointment -
radar@radar.org.uk.
Jonny
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what radar's got to say for itself
02.12.2010 18:10
Dear RADAR
As a disabled person, I urge you to keep your chief executive well away from the ConDem government.
RADAR replied:
Thank you very much for your e-mail. Radar is working hard to influence the Government's policies. For instance, Radar influenced the Government to change housing allowances so that disabled people are covered for a second bedroom if they need a support worker or carer staying over or living in. Now we are campaigning vigorously against the proposal to remove the mobility component of DLA from those living in residential care.
Radar's CEO is conducting an independent review of employment programmes, which means she will have the freedom to make recommendations based on the lived experience of disabled people. This is an opportunity to influence Government policy based on disabled people's experience and aspirations.
Kind regards,
Mary Convill
RADAR, 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF
Tel: 020 7250 3222
Website: www.radar.org.uk
Oh yeah? He who pays the piper etc.
vg