Disability Access (Hansard, 29 November 2001)

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures he is taking to improve disability access to courts in England and Wales; and what financial resources are being made available for this purpose. [19289]

§ Mr. Wills
At the end of 1997 the Court Service commissioned the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR) to devise a methodology to enable it to conduct disability access audits of all its courts and offices. It involved Court Service personnel who had been trained in the process visiting every building on the estate to identify where they failed to meet the standards required and what remedial work would be required.
On this basis, a three year programme of works was devised (starting in 2001–02) to enable works to be completed well in advance on the 1 October 2004 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 deadline for physical improvements. £5 million has been set aside for this year and targeted on the principal court centres across the estate.
Under the Justices of the Peace Act 1997, the provision and improvement of magistrates courthouse accommodation is a matter for each Magistrates Courts Committee (MCC) to determine, in consultation with the local paying authority or authorities. Since 2000, the Department has provided £2.5 million to enable MCCs to improve facilities for the disabled in magistrates courts across England and Wales. Officials will shortly be assessing the 2002–03 bids received from MCCs for further improvement works.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what advice his Department has given to court staff on assisting disabled people attending court. [19287]

§ Mr. Wills
Every public office has a Customer Service Officer whose training includes considering the needs of disabled customers. To support that service, in October 1999 every member of Court Service staff was given a booklet containing guidance on assisting disabled customers. The booklet suggests ways of helping people with a range of disabilities. It also outlines arrangements for provision of assistance such as large print leaflets and communication support for deaf people. All relevant Court Service training events cover disability issues. A liaison officer is available at Court Service Headquarters to assist with disability issues.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what cover is provided to court employees by court service insurance policies when dealing with people with disabilities. [19290]

§ Mr. Wills
The Court Service does not provide any insurance cover for its employees.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, which court buildings in England and Wales have been assessed as disability-friendly. [19288]
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§ Mr. Wills
I am advised that there is no definition within the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 of 'disability-friendliness' against which to make such as assessment.
However, in so far as Part M of the Building Regulations 1991 require the design of new and refurbished buildings to enable disabled people to gain independent access into and within the building, all new court builds and major court refurbishments completed since 1992 could be said to be 'disabled-friendly'. It is not possible, in the time available, to provide specific details.
I would also refer the hon. Member to my earlier reply, which sets out the steps which my Department is taking to improve disabled facilities in courts by the 1 October 2001 deadline set by the DDA.