HC Deb 30 October 2003 vol 412 cc342-3W
Brian Cotter

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps his Department is taking to ensure the compliance of local authorities with Part Three of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if he will make a statement. [135401]

Phil Hope

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is not responsible for ensuring compliance of local authorities with the Disability Discrimination Act; responsibility for ensuring compliance rests with the Disability Rights Commission. However, we recognise we have a part to play in encouraging and sharing good practice—in partnership with the Local Government Association, the Audit Commission and others.

Best Value guidance to local authorities published in March this year stated that the way in which services impact on all sections of the community must be addressed explicitly in order to secure best value. This message is reinforced by Best Value Performance Indicators covering impact and needs assessments, equality action planning processes and accessibility of local authority public buildings.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister also has responsibility for Building Regulations. A revision to Part M of the Building Regulations was issued on 27 October 2002. The new Part M and Approved Document M aim not to make buildings accessible to, and usable by, "disabled people" narrowly defined, but aim to make buildings accessible to, and usable by, everyone—including people with disabilities.