February 2010

Good practice examples needed for new publication
Do you know of examples of joint working between community groups and activists and local councillors? Urban Forum and bassac are writing a short pamphlet on how community groups and activists can best work with local councillors.

Have your say on subtitled cinema
To ensure that subtitled cinema remains a priority for funding, yourlocalcinema.com is asking cinema goers to complete a survey from the UK Film Council.

From 9 February – London Access Forum launches free planning sub-group training
The London Access Forum is launching a free training programme for people interested in joining its planning sub-group. This is an excellent opportunity to gain the skills to comment authoritatively on major planning applications submitted to the Greater London Authority.

Olympic Delivery Authority wins RTPI award for inclusive design
The Royal Town and Planning Institute (RTPI) has awarded the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) its Equality and Diversity Award 2009 for its inclusive design strategy.

London Underground access improvements postponed
Plans to enable step-free access at over 20 London Underground stations have been shelved, drawing strong criticism from campaigners for accessible transport.

Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations laid before Parliament
The Community Infrastructure Levy is a new payment which could be negotiated from developers to support a local area. Following a consultation between July and October 2009, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations 2010 have been laid before Parliament. Subject to approval by MPs, these regulations will come into force on 6 April 2010.

Supermarket parking limit fines condemned as discriminatory
Supermarkets which impose strict parking time limits have been criticised for failing to make reasonable adjustments to disabled customers.

Eurostar accidentally overcharges disabled passenger
Eurostar mistakenly charged a disabled passenger £113 extra to travel to Paris after he was told that the only wheelchair accessible area was in a first class carriage.

Shape launches Access Card
The disability-led arts organisation Shape has launched an Access Card, which allows participants to book accessible, discounted tickets directly through individual venues’ box offices without needing to join their access scheme.

Wheelchair user set to model in Debenhams campaign
The high street retailer Debenhams is to feature model Shannon Murray, a wheelchair user, in a major advertising campaign.