LOCAL AUTHORITY ACCESS OFFICERS

That this House notes that local authorities are subject to duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 not to discriminate against disabled people in employment or the provision of service, and that amendments made by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 ensure that all the activities of public authorities are covered by the 1995 Act; further notes that these duties include the need to make positive adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not less favourably treated; is concerned that whilst some local authorities have chosen to appoint access officers to ensure these new requirements are adhered to, others are yet to do this; and urges the Government to issue guidance to local authorities to encourage them to employ access officers, in order to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.