Today more than twenty disabled activists occupied the foyer of Adelphi
House, where the Department of Work and Pensions is based. At 1.30 p.m.
campaigners breezed in, taking over the foyer, leafleting and asking to hand
deliver a letter to James Purnell, Secretary of State for the Department of
Work and Pensions. Members of D.A.N. the Disabled people's Direct Action
Network refused to leave until a meeting was arranged with James Purnell to
discuss Incapacity Benefit and the changes which are forcing one million
disabled people into poverty and unpaid work placements. James Purnell was
out of the country, so D.A.N. activists met with representatives from the
DWP and Sally Witcher from the Office for Disability Issues and held long
discussions.
The result of these discussions is, D.A.N. have been promised a meeting
with James Purnell, the date of which is to be confirmed. We are very
confident that the meeting will happen as we have promised to come back for
another visit if it doesn't.
Best Wishes.
Mike Higgins
(On behalf of the DAN Press Team)
E-mail: danpress@blueyonder.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)114 225 8676
Mob: +44 (0)7956 856060
DWP
Department for Work and Pensions
Our address
Level 2
The Ade1phi
1-11 John Adam Street London
WC2N 6HT
Our phone number 020 7962 8361
Our fax number 020 7712 2235
Website www.dwp.gov.uk
17 April 2008
To the Disabled People's Direct Action Network (DAN)
This is to confirm that I met with DAN representatives at The Ade1phi today. In discussion with DAN, I confirmed that:
• DWP will respond to DAN's letter to the Secretary of State within two weeks, confirming that the Secretary of State will meet with DAN
• DWP will arrange for that meeting to take place within one month of today
I have noted DAN's request that the meeting should be scheduled for an afternoon and would also appreciate it if DAN would inform us of any further access requirements.
Yours faithfully
Stephen Martin
Welfare to Work Director
Email stephen.martin1@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE