Television writer Annalisa Dinnella, who is visually impaired with 5% vision, has revealed that her Access to Work (AtW) grant was cut by 70% in 2025, and her travel allowance was removed entirely this year, making it increasingly difficult to perform her job. Her experience echoes the warning issued by Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland in his Channel 4 Alternative Christmas Message, where he highlighted the scheme's funding crisis.
Writer's Grant Cut Despite Proven Need
Dinnella, who has worked on shows such as Sex Education, Call the Midwife, and The Hack, and is currently working on a BBC One drama about newspaper editor Harry Evans, relies on AtW for taxis and a sighted guide support worker. Despite providing a contract and a letter from her producer confirming her BBC work, the DWP rejected her appeal, citing a failure to submit a contract for 'work with ITV'—a claim she says is mythical.
Her MP, Ellie Reeves, contacted the DWP on her behalf, but both received a letter stating the appeal was rejected. Dinnella notes there is no recourse to appeal against an appeal, leaving her at a legal dead end. She is not alone; she says there have been 'many thousands' of similar stories in the past two years.
AtW Under Strain and the Sayce Report
AtW insists there has been no policy change and points to a twofold increase in demand over five years. Dinnella acknowledges the strain but questions whether 'cuts by stealth' are the right solution. She cites the 2011 Sayce report, which found that for every £1 the DWP put into AtW, it received £1.48 back, demonstrating the scheme pays for itself.
She argues that being employed keeps disabled people healthy and socially connected, saving money in health and social care, but notes no further studies have been conducted and AtW has stopped collecting data. The scheme's current waiting time for new applications is nine months, according to its recorded message.
Impact on Disabled Talent and Future Stars
Dinnella highlights that when grants were readily available, disabled newcomers could take financial risks, allowing comedians like McCausland to flourish. Organisations like Graeae Theatre have nurtured talent, including Jack Thorne, who landed one of his first jobs writing for artistic director Jenny Sealey. Sealey's AtW grant was cut this year but restored after a social media backlash and MP support.
Dinnella concludes that AtW has become 'unworkable,' deterring potential talent. She calls on the prime minister to act, stating, 'If you back us, we will deliver,' echoing McCausland's message when he lifted the glitterball trophy. She describes the policy as 'nonsensical, cruel, and quite frankly, shameful,' enough to make anyone stop dancing.
