Access hopes at Number 10

The government has confirmed that it is considering creating “level access” to No 10 Downing Street – via the front door.

The news has delighted disability campaigners. It  comes in response to a petition by disabled people on the Downing Street website.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed it is considering the option of “level access via the No 10 front door” and that such plans were in the “design development stage”.

The PMO acknowledged the “difficulties encounter­ed by disabled users of the building, including wheel­chair users”, but a spokes­woman was unable to give a timescale for the proposals.

David Burdus, an access consultant who has camp­aigned on the issue for 13 years, said he was “thrilled to bits and I wish the team that are taking it forward the best of luck”. He added: “I hope it gets through the planning process; it is the highest profile front door in the land and sends a powerful message. Could I be the first one to use it?”

Campaigner Rachel Hurst said she was glad that No 10 was taking its disability equality duties seriously.