Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Disabled People: Inequality

Wednesday 13 December 2023 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government set out long-term vision for disability in the national disability strategy in July 2021 and consulted on the disability action plan over the summer.
  • Minister expressed interest in investigating bus accessibility issue for a constituent with mobility challenges.
  • Government has provided over 104 billion in cost of living payments to support people in need.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Women & Equalities
Context

The government's long-term vision for tackling disability is to be outlined in the national disability strategy and a forthcoming disability action plan.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle inequality for disabled people?

Answer from Mims Davies

In July 2021, the Government set out our long-term vision in the national disability strategy. Over the summer, we consulted on the disability action plan, which will set out the immediate action that the Government are taking in 2024.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not detailed beyond mentioning a consultation and an upcoming action plan.

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Q2 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Transport
Context

A constituent in Lancaster who uses a wheelchair is unable to board a bus if another wheelchair user is already present.

Question

The neuro drop-in centre in Lancaster provides unique support, but my constituent, who travels there by bus from Bowerham to Torrisholme, cannot board the bus if another wheelchair user is on it. Does the Minister think that is fair?

Answer from Mims Davies

That does not sound terribly fair at all. I am very interested in what the hon. Lady shares with the House. Of course, we have a Transport Minister answering questions today, so I am very happy for us to look at that issue for her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Issue of fairness acknowledged but no commitment made on specific follow-up actions.

How: We Have A Transport Minister Answering Questions Today

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Q3 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The government is implementing changes to benefits and NHS prescriptions that could affect disabled individuals.

Question

Why do the Government hit people with disabilities the hardest at every opportunity, considering Sense findings and the Conservative cost of living crisis?

Answer from Mims Davies

I apologise, Mr Speaker. The hon. Member for South Shields will know that we are making cost of living payments once again to support people in need. That support totals over £104 billion. There is also the household support fund, which is about £1 billion this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: General support measures mentioned but no specific commitment on impact or changes for disabled individuals.

How: We Are Supporting People In Need, £104 Billion Cost Of Living Payments

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Q4 Ashley Dalton Lab West Lancashire
Women & Equalities
Context

The disability pay gap has increased under the Conservatives and Labour proposes disability pay gap reporting for large employers.

Question

Why will the Government not follow Labour's proposal to introduce disability pay gap reporting?

Answer from Mims Davies

We are absolutely committed to supporting disabled people. We have supported more than 1 million disabled people into work, hitting the target five years early, and we are rewiring our benefits system to give a renewed focus on what people can do rather than what they cannot.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to supporting disabled individuals but no specific reason given for not implementing disability pay gap reporting.

How: We Are Committed To Supporting Disabled People

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Q5 Ashley Dalton Lab West Lancashire
Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

No Minister for disabled people has been appointed and the disability pay gap is increasing.

Question

Why does the government not have a Minister for disabled people?

Answer from Mims Davies

I am the lead on those matters for Equalities oral questions. I am disappointed that I am not enough for her today, but I do lead on those matters for the Department. All Department for Work and Pensions Ministers take responsibility across our portfolios.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledgment of responsibilities but no specific rationale given for lack of dedicated ministerial position.

How: I Am Disappointed That I Am Not Enough

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Q6 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Times reported on the invisibility of disabled people in employment applications.

Question

What work is being done to help disabled individuals get better employment opportunities?

Answer from Mims Davies

As the Minister responsible for social mobility, I am taking direct leadership on access to employment. We have billions of pounds in our back to work plan and are supporting vulnerable people by uprating benefits by 6.7% in April equally.

Answered
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