Sir Stephen said that the move aims to drive “real improvements” for Disabled people across the country. Lead ministers will be encouraged to engage with Disabled people on a regular basis on all areas of policy.
The news was announced on the International Day of Disabled Persons, which focused on “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”. The awareness day was debated in parliament. Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concerns about “floating bus stops”, which have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement. The MP for Torbay, who is registered blind, said: “The Government needs to ban floating bus stops.” There was also criticism of the lack of rail accessibility for Disabled people.
Mr Timms said, “I am very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of new lead ministers for disability in each Government department, they will represent the interests of disabled people, champion disability inclusion and accessibility within their departments.”
“I’m going to chair regular meetings with them and will encourage them to engage directly with disabled people and their representative organisations, as they take forward their departmental priorities.”
“And I look forward to this new group of lead ministers for disability together driving real improvements across Government for disabled people.”
Responding to the points made by other MPs and following the announcement of new lead ministers for disability, Mr Timms made the following commitments to the disability community. There will be an independent review into how those with disabilities and health impairments can be better supported at work, the 2023-24 British Sign Language report will be published, jobcentres will be overhauled, and a disability employment panel will be set up to advise on supporting Disabled people into work.
Dan White Policy and campaigns officer at Disability Rights UK said, “DR UK has met several times with the Disability Minister, and we acknowledge his positive record of championing Disabled people’s rights, during his time as the chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee.”
“However, the Government’s actions on disability, in their first five months in office, have been extremely poor. They have cut Winter Fuel Payments for thousands of Disabled pensioners, failed to strengthen accessibility standards for new build homes, rejected the implementation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, deferred tackling the social care crisis and committed to making cuts to social security.”
“Whilst the appointment of lead departmental ministers for disability is welcome, we cannot assume that this move will lead to genuine engagement with DPOs and or real change for Disabled people.”
To view the ministerial roles click here.