2025: Week 42 - Access to Work, Climate Change and Renters

In Parliament I raised the issues with Access to Work with the Minister for Social Security and Disability.  This is the scheme that No-Limits Café and Dawlish Gardens Trust used to work with to help people into employment.

I met with the minister back in May when I asked why Access to Work claims were being denied, changed or reduced, contrary to the guidelines.  At that time, I was assured that it was a communications issue, that guidelines hadn’t changed and that officials were going to fix the issues. 5 months on, those issues haven’t been fixed, which has led not only to the No Limits Café in Newton Abbot closing, but also Dawlish Garden’s Trust ceasing all Access to Work activities. 

I have since been told that many valid claims are still being rejected, and this has been reflected by the Access to Work Collective, who have data from all round the country.  I asked what guidelines had been changed and why, as that is the only explanation as to why so many claims are being rejected, or previous claims are denied further funding or being offered much reduced funding.   

The Minister assured me once again that the guidance hadn’t changed, but that he was prepared to meet with me again to discuss.  I will ensure that meeting goes ahead, this is an issue that I am determined to keep in front of the Government.  They cannot claim to be enabling vulnerable and disabled people into employment whilst at the same time removing or reducing the very scheme designed to do just that.

This week, the Secretary General of the UN has warned that the world has already failed to limit global heating to 1.5°C.

This is deeply concerning but reflects the reality of what we are seeing with increased flooding, drought, wildfires and heatwaves. Climate action is urgent if we are to protect communities and nature now and for future generations. The Government must build the consensus on climate action - not break it. The Farage-Badenoch plan to rip up the Climate Change Act, rely more on fossil fuels and stop investing in renewables is planet-wrecking and not an answer. 

Liberal Democrats want urgent action to protect the planet, more investment in clean, cheap renewable energy and less dependence on expensive fossil fuels. Our plan would include an emergency home upgrade programme to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter. It will create jobs, significantly reduce bills and protect the environment for our children.  Government contracts for green electricity generation are still linked to the price of gas, this so called ‘marginal cost pricing’ needs to go to immediately reduce costs.

Finally, I am relieved that legislation requiring social housing landlords to fix dangerous homes has come in.  The fact is has taken so long is a scandal, quicker action by both the Labour Government and the previous Conservative Governments could have prevented so much unnecessary suffering, such as in the case of Awaab Ishak who died because of a damp and mouldy home.