UK Departmental ministers to ‘champion’ disability inclusion and accessibility

Samantha Fletcher

Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms has announced that there will be lead ministers for disability in each Government department to “champion disability inclusion and accessibility”

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. 

To view the ministerial roles click 

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/lead-ministers-for-disability