§ Brian CotterTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many local authorities employ an access officer; how many do not; and if he will make a statement. [135387]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Under the Disabilities Discrimination Act 1995 local authorities, as service providers, have to consider making reasonable adjustments to the way they deliver their services so that disabled people can use them. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be initiating some research next year to assess local government's performance in meeting the needs of people with disabilities and ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to services.