Catalogue Number
NMLH.2025.4.7
Object Name
badge
Title
'Stop & Scrap Universal Credit'
Place
UK
People
Conservative Party, Department of Work and Pensions, Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)
Events
Austerity (2010s)
Description
A badge designed like a stop sign with black text on a yellow background reading 'Stop & Scrap Universal Credit'.
This badge was created by the disabled people's activist group Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), to oppose the introduction of Universal Credit, a welfare benefit which was introduced in the 2010s that negatively impacted disabled people, as it is paid at lower amounts as a way to force claimants to accept any work - something that is not tailored to accommodate disabled claimants who can't work, as previous benefits like Employment Support Allowance were.
DPAC was formed after the 3 October 2010 protest against austerity in Birmingham, England. This was the first mass protest against austerity cuts and the impact they had on disabled people. DPAC is led by disabled people. Their mission statement is: 'Disabled people should not be the scapegoats for the financial mistakes of governments, should not be constantly told that there is no money to support them by millionaire politicians. We will not tolerate further erosion of our living conditions or our human rights, nor will we sit quietly while they try to take our rights away.' Austerity is a policy of reducing spending on public services, including those relied upon by disabled people to live full and independent lives. It was a major feature of the Conservative government's agenda led by David Cameron, beginning in 2010.
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