We took on Bristol’s inhumane plan for disabled people and won. Resistance is never futile

‘What has happened in Bristol is not just a niche regional story. It is reflective of the crisis facing local authorities across the country.’ Photograph: Mark Hunt/Rex/Shutterstock

Following the news in Britain feels increasingly like living the Smiths’ lyric, “Good times for a change”. The onslaught of cost-cutting, short-termist, outright nasty public policy can sometimes make it hard to believe any progress is possible. Well, here’s some good news.

Last month, I reported on cash-strapped Bristol city council’s proposal to move disabled people into residential care if it was deemed “best value” compared with providing support in their own homes. Readers took to social media with their outrage. Others used the council’s public consultation to voice their objections. Next, campaigners in Bristol engaged pro bono lawyers to challenge the legality of the proposal.