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Question
The Labour MP questions why there is no mention of support for the rising cost of living, which is a top concern for disabled people according to surveys. She cites the need for addressing societal barriers that make their lives challenging.
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Question
The Government have had multiple consultations but failed to deliver for disabled people despite launching the disability survey during the pandemic. The national strategy was delayed and lacks parliamentary scrutiny. While some positives are noted in the action plan, it fails to address the cost of living crisis impacting disabled people.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Vicky Foxcroft for her warm welcome. She acknowledges that the plan addresses certain issues but emphasises that the Government's work includes other initiatives across departments.
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Question
How will co-ordination be ensured among disability champions across all government departments?
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Caroline Nokes for her point about the Special Olympics. The plan aims to improve data quality, monitor outcomes, and use data to assess policy impacts. She assures accountability through evaluation and data collection.
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Question
This disability action plan is a mishmash of short-term policies without addressing pressing concerns like the cost of living crisis or welfare support. The Government should scrap reforms to the work capability assessment.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges Marion Fellows' points and emphasises that the plan aims to improve disabled people's daily lives, not impose sanctions. She highlights the £200 million in Barnett consequentials for Scotland and commits to reporting progress every six months.
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Question
How will the Minister be a strong voice for disabled people inside Government?
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Chloe Smith for her kind words and emphasises promoting accessible communications, monitoring standards, and ensuring full inclusion. She mentions local resilience forums for proper engagement at the local level.
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Question
The Select Committee called for a review of the underperforming Disability Confident scheme, which was delayed by the pandemic. Can the Minister tell us what the plan says about Disability Confident and does it hold out the prospect of shorter waiting times for Access to Work?
Minister reply
Access to Work grants are important as we aim to smash the employment goal and do more on disability employment. The Select Committee's challenge regarding Disability Confident is noted, and the Minister will look at the scheme in addition to reviewing the disability employment goal.
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Question
Welcoming the proposals for accessible play parks, can the Minister assure that there will be an annual review of these proposals as per the national disability strategy? Can she also become a Minister of State to coordinate efforts across Government?
Minister reply
The ministerial disability champions are being engaged to ensure accountability and delivery on the national disability strategy. There is a plan for playgrounds accessibility, with a focus on local authorities for best practices, and reviews will be conducted in six months and 12 months.
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Question
Recognising the context of recent funding cuts affecting disabled people, can the Minister reassure that a response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission's section 23 notice will be published soon?
Minister reply
The point about disability costs is noted. The Minister acknowledges substantial cost-of-living support but agrees with concerns raised about previous funding cuts and will write further on the EHRC section 23 notice.
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Question
Welcoming the disability action plan, how can she support local-level disability forums like one being held in Rutland?
Minister reply
Support is available through jobcentres with work coach support and disability employment advisers. The Minister would be delighted to attend such forums if invited.
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Question
How will the Minister ensure cross-Government working on disability rights, including benefits and housing provision?
Minister reply
Ministerial champions will deliver and be accountable in their Departments to increase disability-inclusive approaches. This includes strategic work with DEFRA and FCDO for emergency planning and climate adaptation.
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Question
Will the Minister consider expanding disability plans to include women's health issues such as advanced endometriosis?
Minister reply
The Minister is aware of the issue and welcomes discussions on linking endometriosis into understanding within their strategy. She would be happy to meet to discuss this further.
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Question
Asked about the need to better define what businesses mean by 'accessible' for disabled people, particularly wheelchair users facing inconsistencies in accessibility.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue and stated that the Disability Unit will work on defining requirements more clearly based on consultation responses, covering actions 18 and 19 in the plan.
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Question
Asked about speeding up transitions to Personal Independence Payments from Disability Living Allowance and what more can be done to ensure access to playgrounds is improved at both local and national levels.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the point, mentioned that some local authorities are already delivering playground improvements, and offered to look into specific cases for support. Also noted engagement with disabled people to protect vulnerable groups.
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Question
Asked why the disability action plan does not address the cost of living crisis more directly.
Minister reply
Referred to ongoing cost-of-living support measures including energy price guarantees and a £104 billion package until 2025, emphasising engagement with the Under-Secretary for Energy Security on these matters.
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Question
Congratulated the Minister on launching the disability action plan and asked about making playgrounds more accessible in her constituency.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of inclusive playgrounds, wrote to Welsh Government counterparts regarding the plan, and offered support for the design phase.
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Question
Asked if the action plan will address a 14-year pattern of the DWP dismissing concerns raised by coroners over disabled claimant deaths.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue, noted the Department's focus on safeguarding vulnerable people, and offered to write specifically about the matter.
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Question
Asked if the plan will address issues faced by disabled residents due to road closures caused by infrastructure projects.
Minister reply
Offered to look into specific cases, highlighted that the plan aims for inclusive policy-making, including considerations for access needs in clean air zones and ultra-low emission zones.
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Question
Asked about how to bring meaningful change when failures persist in the disability benefits system.
Minister reply
Acknowledged a concerning case, mentioned ongoing work on structural reform including health and disability aspects, help services for vulnerable claimants, and potential passporting of PIP to Universal Credit.
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Question
Asked about delivering more accessible play areas beyond a website portal.
Minister reply
Emphasised the work by Sport England on best practice, mentioned plans for reports at six and twelve months to ensure tangible outcomes.
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Question
Several of my disabled constituents have raised an issue regarding the need for assistance to insulate homes and address ongoing energy costs rather than a one-off bonus payment. The MP inquires about what consideration has been given to ensuring warm homes for disabled individuals.
Minister reply
The minister writes to counterparts in Northern Ireland, as she does with all devolved groups, regarding the challenges highlighted by the hon. Gentleman and expresses willingness to look into extra support for his community. She reiterates that despite some differences due to devolution, she is committed to ensuring that disabled people have access to a warm home.
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Question
The MP criticises the Government's disability action plan for failing to introduce emergency measures demanded by disabled people to address the cost of living crisis and previous austerity measures.
Minister reply
The minister rejects the characterisation made by the hon. Gentleman, stating that there are 32 actions over the next year in 14 different areas based on listening to and engaging with disabled people. She emphasises the Government's commitment to improving daily life for disabled individuals and refutes claims of isolation or lack of support.