Frances Ryan

Frances Ryan is a journalist and political researcher. She writes regularly for the Guardian, New Statesman, and others on disability, feminism, and most areas of equality you throw at her. Her website is here and you can find her on Twitter as @frances__ryan.

RSS

Maria Miller has opposed civil partnerships for heterosexuals - why?

16 May 2013

The Equalities minister Maria Miller has spoken out against extending civil partnerships to heterosexuals - because who, she wonders, could feel oppressed by marriage?

UK Politics

Councillor who called for disabled children to be "put down" is re-elected

06 May 2013

Voters of Cornwall: why?

Society

Depression and austerity: “It’s as though my mind and body have both just closed down”

02 May 2013

Suicide should never be exploited for political ends, but it would be wrong to ignore the effect of the cuts on people's mental health.

Frances Ryan

The disability benefits system takes your dignity in exchange for money

24 April 2013

It's not pleasant to have to ask for help. The cuts to the Independent Living Fund - delivered in a court room that wasn’t accessible to wheelchairs - are a stark reminder of the reality of life as a disabled person in Britain.

UK Politics

“I keep being kicked in the gutter": the cruelty of multiple cuts

18 April 2013

Thousands of people with disabilities or long-term illness are now being affected by simultaneous cuts. As the welfare state undergoes unprecedented changes, the same people are being hit over and over again, says Frances Ryan.

Voices

Paralympians speak out about disability benefit cuts

25 March 2013

Several British medallists could lose much-needed financial support when Iain Duncan Smith's Personal Independence Payment replaces Disability Living Allowance on 8 April.

Voices

Bedroom tax: pushing those “getting by” over the edge

13 March 2013

Despite the concessions made by Iain Duncan Smith yesterday, the bedroom tax will still hit thousands of disabled children and adults, and those fleeing domestic abuse, argues Frances Ryan as she speaks to some of the families affected.

UK Politics

Five Stories: the harsh realities of the Government's "bedroom tax"

12 February 2013

Almost two-thirds of households affected by the "bedroom tax" have a disability. Frances Ryan talks to five people who will face debt, discomfort and even homelessness once the bedroom tax is implemented.

Politics

I try to tell myself: I am a human being. My existence is worthwhile

04 January 2013

Intrusive questions about your health. The fear and uncertainty of a claim being rejected. Trying to make ends meet through bureaucratic delays. What is life really like for those who claim disability benefits?

Blogs

Five reasons why "smart cards" for benefits claimants are a bad idea

19 October 2012

Iain Duncan Smith's latest proposal betrays a lack of understanding of the real problems faced by "troubled families".