Sir,-

The UK government has opened applications for a new ‘Independent Disability Advisory Panel.’

In theory, this panel sounds like a good idea.

In reality, there is nothing independent about it.

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The government has already picked the panel chair and decided everything about how the panel will work. It will have no actual influence, is limited to ten people, only runs until March, and comes with gagging clauses and an insulting pay offer.

Disabled People’s Organisations are already highly connected and collaborate widely.

All the government needs to do is start listening.

The new panel is being rigged so that the government can pretend it’s listening.

The panel should be flooded with applications – but with a twist.

Every single applicant should state openly: we will not sign a gagging clause.

We will insist on the panel voting on how it is run.

We will elect our own chair.

We will decide when we meet, and what we talk about.

We will invite additional members.

We will be transparent and democratic.

We will include everyone.

If the panel is to be genuine, that is how it must work.

Otherwise, our applications will at least reveal it as the sham it is.

Applications to the panel must be in by 11:59pm on Monday, September 29.

Visit bit.ly/panel-protest to take part.

Ben Golightly
Coordinator,
Disabled People Against Cuts Cymru (DPAC Cymru).
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