House of Commons · Westminster Hall
18 March 2025 · 9 other contributors · 3,908 words
Opened by Paul Kohler Lib Dem Wimbledon
Responding minister: Kate Dearden
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Paul Kohler raised concerns about stations: step-free access in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government needs to commit to the Access for All scheme and provide new impetus to it. There is an urgent need for consistency in delivery, local partnerships, and ensuring that what is delivered makes sense to those impacted.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
More than 60 million people in the UK have a disability, taking 28% fewer journeys than those who do not. According to Transport for All, only 30% of disabled respondents said they used trains with confidence, and 10% do not use them at all due to issues such as overcrowded trains and inadequate toilet provision. Currently, only about a quarter of train stations are fully step-free from street to platform.
Constituents with disabilities have had accidents at railway stations due to the lack of support staff and inaccessible systems for booking assistance. Emphasises the need for proper support staff at stations.
A constituent with mobility issues has concerns about Wivelsfield station in Burgess Hill, where only one side of the platform is accessible.
Welcomes the Government's objective that accessibility should be part of Great British Railways' six objectives, suggesting another round of Access for All applications while GBR is being established to ensure a pipeline of work.
Bristol Parkway station in Claire Young's constituency faces frequent lift faults, affecting residents with mobility issues. She emphasises the importance of reliable access beyond just its existence.
Points out that many stations are well advanced through the Access for All scheme but have had funding pulled at the last minute. Urges reopening of the scheme to proceed with projects ready to go. Asked for a commitment to proceed with stations that have had their designs and feasibility studies completed, expressing frustration over delayed progress.
Swanscombe station in Jim Dickson's constituency lacks step-free access despite being in urgent need, and its main road is unusable for two years. He questions whether the Access for All programme has achieved its aim of making many stations accessible.
Acknowledged the progress made by the Access for All programme and committed to writing updates on specific stations like Wivelsfield. Emphasised ongoing work on feasibility studies and design commitments.
Highlights issues in her constituency, such as a bridge at East Croydon station being closed for 10 years despite local and national funding. Emphasises the need for consistent delivery and local partnerships.
Highlights the challenge in Scotland due to the Scottish Government's responsibility for nominating stations for Access for All, and asks for a commitment from the UK Government to continue funding. Requested a specific timescale for the Access for All programme's announcement on progressing stations to design stage.
Government Response
Kate DeardenAcknowledged the progress made by the Access for All programme and committed to writing updates on specific stations like Wivelsfield. Emphasised ongoing work on feasibility studies and design commitments, aiming to announce station progress over the summer after a spending review.