Welcome to the VODG
The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) is an umbrella group of national voluntary sector providers of social care support to disabled people.The VODG works with 700,000 disabled people living throughout the UK – providing services that promote independence, choice and control. VODG members share common values and have a combined annual turnover in excess of £1 billion.
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VODG Campaign Victory
The VODG has achieved a substantial victory in its Ordinary Residence Campaign.
Yesterday in the Grand Committee of the House of Lords, Lord Low spoke to an Ordinary Residence Disputes Panel amendment as previously discussed. Baroness Campbell also proposed an Ordinary Residence based amendment.
Lord Low's amendment was not put as a consequence of the following concessions made by the government:
•Guidance to be updated by early 2009, with the caveat that this may be influenced by the social care Green Paper
•A new series of directions will be issued later this year to ensure that disputes are resolved swiftly and efficiently, ensuring there is clear guidance as to when it should be referred to the Secretary of State
•A commitment to the Secretary of State ruling on the dispute within 3 months
•A commitment to consult the VODG on the changes
This represents a significant step towards resolving this long-standing concern and suggests it is finally acknowledged as a real and important issue.
Speaking to Lord Low afterwards, he could not remember a previous occasion when this government had made such a large concession.
We are extremely grateful for the support throughout of ADASS and the LGA. Our warmest thanks will be extended to Lord Low for his vital work in support of this campaign.
VODG Conference
The VODG and Community Care have joined forces in putting on a conference in to the Eligibility Crisis in social care. Speakers include Ivan Lewis, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Care Services, Professor Bob Hudson, University of Durham, and David Walden of CSCI. The conference, to be held on Tuesday 24th of June, will come during CSCI's review of eligibility criteria. Full details can be found on the Lexis Nexis website.