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UK government may be failing to uphold disability rights
Scottish human rights watchdog warns of danger to come
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Monday 22nd December 2025 |
The Scottish Human Rights Commission's "State of the Nation 2025" report warns that both the Scottish and UK governments are failing to uphold the fundamental rights of disabled people.
The watchdog identifies urgent concerns regarding independent living, stating that support for autistic people and people with learning difficulties is "inadequate".
Consequently, many people are forced into inappropriate, institutional accommodation rather than living in their own homes, due to a significant lack of community-based support and transparency.
The report highlights that disability benefits fail to provide a decent standard of living.
Allowances intended for disability-related costs are frequently used to cover basic survival expenses like food and energy, leaving many people in debt.
The commission criticises the UK government's policy choices, including the cut to the Universal Credit health element, as undermining UN obligations.
While the Scottish government maintains it will not cut its Adult Disability Payment, the report argues it has failed to demonstrate a human rights approach to budgeting that actively reduces poverty.
Separately, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned that the UK government is also failing to ensure equal healthcare access for disabled people.
Source: Disability News Service (UK)
https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/
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