Advice services provided by Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) are facing significant financial challenges, despite a surge in demand for their support, according to recent research by AdviceUK. A survey of 29 DPOs revealed that 93% experienced increased demand for their services over the past year, yet over 40% are at risk of closure due to funding difficulties.
The financial instability is forcing many DPOs to consider reducing or eliminating essential services. For instance, Equal Lives, which addressed nearly 900 issues last year—including benefits, social care, and workplace accessibility—has had to cut key services like welfare benefit form filling and appeal representation due to reduced local authority funding. Sarah Little, Advice and Membership Team Manager at Equal Lives, described securing sustainable funding as “a constant challenge,” noting that short-term contracts hinder long-term planning and innovation.
Similarly, the Disability Law Service’s legal advice offerings are under threat. Chief Executive Andrew MacKay highlighted the strain caused by the lack of long-term funding, which jeopardises unfunded programmes like their community care and housing helpline.
The funding landscape appears structurally inequitable. An upcoming report by Disability Rights UK (DRUK) indicates that 90 DPOs collectively received only 2.7% of the total value of government contracts awarded to nine disability charities not led by Disabled people between April 2022 and March 2023. This disparity underscores the systemic challenges DPOs face in securing adequate funding.
Caroline Collier from Inclusion Barnet’s Campaign for Disability Justice expressed concern over the potential loss of skilled, appropriate advice services, especially given the weakening social security safety net. She advocates for a new, ambitious strategy to revitalise DPOs, ensuring they are commissioned to provide the local services Disabled people need.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasises that decisions affecting Disabled people must involve their direct participation. Rebecca Tayler Edwards, DRUK’s DPO Development Manager, stressed that adequately funded DPOs are essential for upholding this principle and ensuring that Disabled people’s voices are integral to decision-making processes.
In summary, while the demand for DPO-led advice services is rising, these organisations are grappling with financial instability due to systemic funding inequities. Addressing these challenges is crucial to maintain the vital support we provide to Disabled people.
If you require advice with disability-related challenges, contact WECIL’s Navigators here.
