Mark That Disabled Green Party Guy

Labour’s Disregard for Disabled Lives: A Broken Promise and a Call for Justice It’s hard to ignore the troubling pattern emerging from the Labour government’s recent actions and proposals — a pattern that signals a clear disregard for disabled people’s rights and needs. Despite promises to champion equality and fairness, the reality tells a different story: disabled individuals are being sidelined, discriminated against, and left behind. Take, for example, the government’s announcement of a £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing. On the surface, that sounds like a win. But as  Disability News Service reports   disabled people might not see the benefits. Critics warn that the funds are unlikely to address the specific housing needs of disabled residents, who often require accessible features and tailored support. Without targeted planning, this huge investment risks leaving disabled people in the shadows, unable to access safe and suitable homes. And It Gets Wo...

I want to speak openly about a troubling issue that affects some of our most vulnerable children and their families. Recently, Telford & Wrekin Council was found to have failed a young girl , Y, who relies on essential speech, language, and occupational therapy. Despite her having an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHC Plan) — which is meant to guarantee her the support she needs — she was left waiting for over a year. That’s simply not acceptable. What’s most concerning is that this isn’t just about one case. It’s part of a broader pattern where families feel let down, where promises made in support plans are not kept, and where children’s development and well-being suffer as a result. The Ombudsman’s investigation confirmed that the council failed to check whether therapy was happening or when it would start. Because of that, Y missed out on vital services from May 2023 to August 2024 — a full year of missed opportunities for her growth and confidence. The council has now ackn...

Hidden Costs Why Our Family Carers Deserve Better Imagine waking up every day knowing that your entire world revolves around caring for a loved one with disabilities. You’re doing everything you can to keep them safe, comfortable, and loved — often at great personal cost.  Now, consider this: nearly half of parent carers in the UK say their income doesn’t even cover basic needs like food and housing. That’s almost 44%. And if your fridge breaks or your bed falls apart? Over 80% of carers say they couldn’t replace essentials without going into debt or going without. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? And yet, these are the everyday realities for millions of families. Many are skipping meals just to make sure their children eat, with over half of parent carers doing so.  Meanwhile, a staggering 93% of families want to work paid jobs, but caring responsibilities make that practically impossible. The emotional toll is equally heavy, with 28% of parent carers likely to be clinically dep...