The One Year Coronavirus Act Review: Scrap the Coronavirus Act Easements!

On 25th March 2021, the House of Commons is debating the one year review of the Coronavirus Act. Read our briefing on why the disability-related easements in the Act should be scrapped.

On the 25th of March 2021, the House of Commons is debating the one year review of the Coronavirus Act. We have written a  briefing with Disability Rights UK and the Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE) on why the disability-related easements in the Act should be scrapped.

Read our full briefing here: Coronavirus Act – 1 Year Review

Summary

Inclusion London is working with Disability Rights UK, ALLFIE and other organisations to push the government to restore Disabled people’s rights taken away by the Coronavirus Act.

Disabled people already experienced discrimination and violation of our rights in many aspects of life.  Instead of supporting us during this difficult time, the government went even further and removed some of our hard fought for rights.

Disabled people were among those hardest hit by the Pandemic, it is especially true for Disabled people from BAME communities.  60% of those who died from Coronavirus are Disabled.

We believe at a time when people need support the most, weakening our legal rights to social care and education is unacceptable.

Disabled people’s lives must be valued equally. Removing rights causes disadvantage and discrimination, and puts mental and physical health at risk.

As the Coronavirus Act approaches its one-year review, now is the time to recognise the devastating impact the exercise of these powers has had and to restore the legal rights of disabled people.

We believe that the government should confirm that:

  • Social care easements will be switched off by the Department of Health and Social Care;
  • The easements related to Children and Family Act will not be implemented by the Department of Education.

Alternatively, the Coronavirus Act could be voted down at the review, and the government would have to bring forward an alternative legislation within 21 days. This could allow the easements to be discontinued. Although the Coronavirus Act cannot be amended as part of the review, amendments could be made as part of the general Parliamentary process, and we would encourage Parliamentarians to do so.

Our full briefing can be read here: Coronavirus Act – 1 Year Review