New Green Paper Discussion - now includes accessible formats and consultation event sign up links!
Comments
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People put forward a great many disparate proposals, but they lose the point. Because you are too focused on the trees, you don't see the forest.
What we need to demand:- Banning the filling of the hole in the budget at the expense of payments to the disabled and pensioners.
- No reforms to the DWP at all without a three-year preliminary discussion.
- Do not mix the disabled and pensioners with any other social groups.
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I am so confused on here about the pensioner comments that got deleted , which can only have been deleted by admin , I just don't know what happened , someone mistaken me for another poster . I hate this because my autism kicks in on overdrive and I want justice , I never said anything about pensioners so it makes it very difficult for me .
Regarding dimming the sun , the sky is always full of chemtrails that turn to a covering of white dust to block out the sun , I can see mother nature dealing with this though , the sun is more powerful and still shines through , but what's the point of solar panels if they want to dim the sun lol . I think this is some sort of wake up call to show us what the evil ones are trying to do to us . We need vit D and if they can dim the sun we all get sick , get rid of us anyway they can . Evil .
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Hi @WhatThe,
Thank you for raising valid points.
I came across Disability Rebellion (DR) through a post shared on “The Canary” newsfeed . Like many here, I was not previously active on social media—but I joined platforms like X and Bluesky solely to find and support movements standing against the current DWP’s Pathways to Work Green Paper proposal. After watching and interacting silently for a few days, I chose to follow them as I felt their aims strongly aligned with the urgency and threat I and many others are experiencing.
I acknowledge that DR is a new and developing group, which may explain its limited visibility via search engines and the lack of a standalone website. I’ve already asked whether they plan to expand accessibility and formal registration, and I await a reply. The point you raised about accessibility is absolutely valid-and this is something all groups representing disabled people must address to be truly representative.
Now, I must be transparent: I am speaking up because I am genuinely in survival mode. The government’s green paper proposals are not just policy to me-they represent an existential threat to my livelihood, my children’s wellbeing, and our basic dignity. I’ve never faced such a situation before-my health is deteriorating, I’m unable to work despite my desire to, and I live with multiple long-term conditions. These proposals, if implemented, could push thousands-including families with children-into extreme poverty or worse. It is now very clear to the disabled community that the DWP has deliberately set up this exclusionary proposal and consultation to silence and sideline our voices -but for me, staying silent is simply no longer an option.
I understand your concern about data safety: you mentioned, “DWP harvests information through social media and consultations, so better to not overshare your stories.” That is a real worry for many. However, I believe that honest, relevant stories are one of the few powerful tools we still have to resist policy that dehumanises us. I am not asking anyone to share beyond what is necessary to illustrate the impact these proposals would have. Everyone has an informed choice-and no one should feel compelled to act if they aren’t comfortable. I completely respect that.
What I am doing is grounded in the rights that we all hold:
• Article 10 of the Human Rights Act protects our right to freedom of expression, including political speech and campaigning.
• Article 11 gives us the right to peaceful assembly and association.
• Article 14 protects us from discrimination in how these rights are applied.
• And the Equality Act 2010 ensures we are protected against discrimination on the grounds of disability.
The consultation itself is already exclusionary in format, and I believe that many of us must use whatever safe and legal avenues we have-whether Scope, Benefits & Work, X, Bluesky, or beyond-to amplify our voices. If we refrain out of fear, then the policies that threaten our basic survival go unchallenged.
Still, I agree fully: people must exercise caution and autonomy. Whether it’s DR, DPAC, Scope, or any other space-if any group doesn’t feel right, we always have the option to step back. Personally, I only engage in lawful, respectful advocacy and civil expression, and I encourage the same.
My intention is never to pressure anyone or cause fear. Rather, I hope to empower others who, like me, are desperately trying to protect what little they have left-by speaking out, within our rights, and standing in solidarity. I appreciate everyone who engages, even when we differ. That’s how communities grow stronger.
Let’s all continue to inform our MPs, respond meaningfully to the consultation via email, and look after each other during these difficult times.
In Solidarity
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When I first joined I was reading into messages and arguing with alot of people everyone does have different options might write something in that moment in time I was guilty of falling for stories of refugees and it was around time of universal credit been brought forward from 2028 2029 I said to my daughter it's not fair refugees don't have to go on UC and don't have to worry I caught the look on my daughters face and she said I never thought you say anything like that you relize they lost thier homes and alot more I instantly regret my words as thats not me but I fell for us and them also my daughters nanna came from Nigeria in 60s my daughter was very upset and I was ashamed
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This individual's profile has been elevated to a DPO somewhere along the line.
A DPO? This needs explanation.
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Good morning @Santosha12,
Ah bless you -thank you so much for your warm and kind words. They really do mean a lot, especially coming from someone who’s also going through so much.And don’t worry — your Rice Krispies comment gave me a much-needed smile! 😉I can totally picture the Snap, Crackle and Pop making your ears go “nope, not today!” Maybe next time it’s Weetabix all the way, nice and quiet! I’m a porridge fan myself-soft, warm, and no drama! 🤣😆
Taking time to write your consultation response and that complaint letter, even while feeling unwell and dealing with a dip in mental health, is no small feat. That’s real strength, even if it might not feel like it. Please take it slow!!Like you, I also took ages writing the consultation response. It’s been such a strategic task, and with everything else going on, it’s exhausting. I’m still in the middle of a tribunal appeal too, and only just got some positive news after putting in a complaint (regarding closure of my council’s welfare support services)-the council’s finally agreed to allocate me a bespoke welfare officer after saying they weren’t accepting any new appeals. It’s just relentless, isn’t it? As disabled people, we always seem to be forced into battles just to access what should already be in place for us. It’s not right, and it wears you down.
But like you said, pacing is key -and being kind to ourselves. I’m also doing my best to look after my mental health, though the constant pain and physical health issues do make it really tough at times. Our health really matters, and I truly hope you start to feel a bit better soon, even if it’s just little by little. You’ve got so much courage, and I just want to say I’m thinking of you too 🤗please keep being kind to yourself. One step at a time is more than enough.
And to others reading -if you’re feeling overwhelmed or just plain tired, you’re not alone. None of us signed up to be campaigners or warriors, yet here we are, doing the best we can for ourselves and others. And that’s something to be proud of. Whether it’s sending in a consultation response, posting on here, or just getting through the day -it all counts.
Sending strength and warmth to you @santosha12, and to everyone here. 💪🏼Let’s keep lifting each other up -we need that now more than ever. 🙏🏽
Take care2 -
I really admire you have given strenght to alot of people I've been dosing myself up with sleeping tablets can't bare thinking some days got extremely paranoid last night what would it feel like to be truly free of all worries just living life with disabilities the best way you can ? Without constant worrying impacting us even more thankyou for all you do and say in the darkness light shines your one of those people that stands up and shows us the path don't ever change your family is very blessed ❤️
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I get what you mean- I think people are just trying every avenue now to stop what’s coming. Would you consider starting your own petition with those key points?
Best Wishes!
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Just to clear things up, in this case ‘DPO’ means Disabled People’s Organisation, not anything to do with someone’s forum profile or status. It is a well-known term in the disability rights world, especially around activism.
It is perfectly reasonable to be cautious about clicking on links, but the way this has been questioned comes across a bit off, like you are picking at people or trying to create doubt. There is no need to dig into profiles or suggest something dodgy is going on.
Let us keep things supportive. If someone wants to share a protest or campaign, they should feel safe doing so without being pulled apart. That said, it might be helpful if people used full names instead of abbreviations, just to avoid confusion, as not everyone has the same level of understanding.
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MW, I don't do small talk - I am autistic! I can't write streams, either.
"A new DPO", coming from where? Nobody can just call themselves a DPO because it sounds important!
Knowing that smoke and mirrors were used every time benefits were 'reformed', I don't accept anything at face value. Social media can't be trusted to deliver facts.
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Tell the person who wrote that post to not use abbreviations, thanks!
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We'll never find out what's dodgy about the Green Paper if members continue to use this thread as a chatroom, will we?
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Agreed.
The people who agree with or post the most polarising views are the ones most distant from the issue in question. They are the same people who post hate against disabled people. The sad thing is that because those people are so sure they are right, they are not receptive to more information :/ And so the vicious cycle just continues.
If that hate undercurrent wasn't there right now for disability and disabled people, the government would not be able to pass a policy like this. It is possible because a lot of people out there with no direct engagement with disability believe the myths that disabled people are lazy, scroungers, fraudulent, etc.
The same is true with asylum seekers. The conditions are so bad because people believe they are not, and so long as people consider them scrounging our system, they will not be treated any better (or given the opportunity to use their skills, work, and pay taxes, which is the most sensible solution overall).Side-note, but supporting Trump also means supporting the eugenical attack on autistic people, which, as an autistic person myself, I find utterly unforgivable :(
So let's go back to the green paper.
It doesn't help that we have so much uncertainty still. I would HOPE that older disabled people would still be with working age disabled in spirit, even if they are not directly impacted. I'm not directly impacted at the moment, with the current shift - I have a 4 point rule - but I feel like we all need to be thinking collectively about what else might change in the future. I don't claim LWRCA but I can see the risks associated with tying it to PIP. What worries me most is that as a group we become divided or only concerned by our own immediate risks…The government are counting on that division :/
I haven't forgotten, either, that the green paper mentions PIP criteria or whatever being reviewed 'after these proposals are in place'. They've snuck that in and I've heard next to nobody talking about it - but the green paper itself is not the end game.And on the work subject. Apparently even university graduates fresh out of their degrees cannot get jobs. Actually, I know this is true as it happened to my sister and I both. I don't think I've ever worked a graduate job even despite having three degrees. But the job vacancies thing is apparently critical. There are fewer jobs and likely to be cut backs because of things like NI changes (which should benefit our services but businesses are of course going to prioritise their profit as well).
So how are all the disabled people who are expected to look for and get work going to get employed, if there are no jobs just generally??
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No matter how gallant people are defending homeless ,asylum seekers ,etc when it comes to it , nobody is going to give up their income whether from benefits or wages .
NOBODY as everyone is fighting their own corner and there is no shame in that .
I just think its the guilt trip again using it against people who can see the system is unfair .
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I got really paranoid last night about certain message was in pure panic that I over shared everything still feel panicky today
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My dreaded review form arrived on Saturday.
I am going to try so hard to get 4 points in 2 descriptors and request paper based or telephone assessment.
I'm flipping dreading it.
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Hi Luvpink, After looking back at my previous form and assessment report I would say look to see any descriptors that you score 4 points for . Have help filling it out but read the form yourself first . I say this as on reading my previous review I clearly should have had a 4 point answer. I was advised at the time regarding inconsistencies not to worry as I had my award increased. Obviously I didn’t know then the 4 point rule was possibly in the future ( though I wonder if it was known at dwp / Atos) . This time any answers where I qualify for 4 points I will fight for as I was given a 2 instead of 4 when you are supposed to receive the highest from your answers . Mines due anytime now so I know how you feel, it’s such a terrifying experience I can’t see anyone going through this unless they need to . Good luck , I’ll be thinking of you x
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Apologies @WhatThe- point taken. I’ll make sure to avoid abbreviations moving forward. I’m just trying to keep things ticking along and share what I know. At the end of the day, we only have each other to lean on, so let’s just move on and keep things positive. Wishing you a good day!
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Spot on.
They support Trump simply because their inner anti-immigrant and racial hatred sentiments go in hand with his anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric. They're saying that Tump is making his country great, when the current prevailing and widely accepted opinion is that in 100 days Trump has made the US weaker than it has ever been and that his approval rating has been falling, reflecting public concern about his immigration and economic policies and overall performance.
Millions of Americans who voted for Trump, motivated primarily by immigration - his signature policy - are now disapproving him and his strategy in this regard.
They question miserable accommodation offered to an asylum seeker and never the £21 billion public money missing in fraud since Covid pandemic.
They don't even realise that without immigrants in this island there wouldn't be any PIP or care allowances, just to mention a couple, as the vaults of the government would literally be in extremely serious dire straits. They simply fall for the so-called populist rhetoric of the kinds of Trump and Farage, who want to make immigrants a scapegoat for the failures of governments and inherent ills of the country, and exploit racist rhetoric against immigrants over crisis, such as housing crisis, the multifaceted crisis of the NHS, etc, without realising that immigrants are the backbone of the NHS. as the NHS's current workforce is significantly impacted by immigrant contributions, and I 'm just talking about the substantial portion of doctors and nurses being non-UK nationals, and not UK nationals of foreign heritage, even though to Farage cheerers any non white is a foreign in this country.
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Found this on DPAC'S FB page. A crowdfunding page to raise money to fight the reforms.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tax-the-rich-dont-rob-disabled-people?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwJ9ruZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrhSBqEyF3uKuXB4QsmWrZaMQBPi2cIvNgMVUHcqcDNWxI2xnYdJiajFrX5Q_aem_u1a_bmly9AgHQJM4obNEMw
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