ICOD would urge you to show your support for the following petition submitted to the UK Government:

The government were embarking on wholesale reform of the benefit system when the economic crisis struck. These welfare reforms had not been piloted and the plan was to monitor and assess the impact of the new untried approach as it was introduced in a buoyant economy. Unfortunately since then the economy has gone in to crisis and the government has simultaneously embarked on a massive programme of cuts. This has created a perfect storm and left disabled people/those with ill health, and their carers reeling, confused and afraid. We ask the government to stop this massive programme of piecemeal change until they can review the impact of all these changes, taken together, on disabled people and their carers. We ask the government to stand by its duty of care to disabled people and their carers. At the moment the covenant seems to be broken and they do not feel safe. Illness or disability could affect any one of us at any time, while many more of us are potential carers.

You can view and sign the online petition by clicking the link here

10th February 2012
University of Strathclyde Students’ Association
90 John Street G1 1JH
9:30am – 5:00pm

Want to learn more about including people with intersectional identities in your service? Interested in the experiences of LGBT people who are disabled and/or from minority ethnic backgrounds?
This is a unique opportunity to engage in discussions on a variety of topics around the inclusion of LGBT people with complex identities. Including Intersectional Identities is a showcase of pioneering intersectional work in Glasgow , Scotland , England and Europe .

For more information and to register follow the link here

Transport Scotland are consulting on the future of Scotland’s railways. The contract for rail passenger services (ScotRail) finishes in 2014 and new arrangements need to be put in place. Transport Scotland want Scotland’s rail services to be developed with passenger interests at the heart. You can view the consultation by clicking the link here. A briefing is also available from the Scottish Disability Equality Forum (SDEF)in Microsoft Word format by clicking here, and SDEF would also like to hear your opinions by completing their survey at the link here.

Changes to disability benefits are being "rushed through" to meet Treasury targets, campaigners have argued as peers prepare to debate the issue. Read the full story at the BBC News Website here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b018csz1/Can_You_Touch_Your_Toes/

River Clyde Homes has launched its Tenant Involvement Strategy and Neighbourhood Plans for consultation.These are now available on their website at:
Neighbourhood Plans: http://www.riverclydehomes.org.uk/corporate/neighbourhood-plans
Tenant Involvement Strategy: http://www.riverclydehomes.org.uk/node/325

Every tenant in a River Clyde Homes' property will receive a plan for their area.
River Clyde Homes would be happy to hear your comments on both documents and in particular on the Neighbourhood Plans. These are a starting point for River Clyde Homes with a view to developing a final version by Spring 2012. They are keen to know if your own organisation is intending to have any local initiatives that we might be able to jointly support with you and publicise through their Neighbourhoods Plans.