The bill that Jack built

By Paul Carter

It is now almost 16 months since Lord (Jack) Ashley of Stoke first introduced his disabled persons (independent living) bill to the House of Lords, aimed at revolutionising the rights of disabled people in Britain.

The bill would impose a duty on local authorities to provide services that would enable disabled people to live more independent lives, such as communication support, advocacy services and access to suitable accommodation.

The bill was first passed by the Lords last April, and was subsequently introduced into the Commons by Labour MP Roger Berry, where it failed to receive a second reading due to a lack of parliamentary time, something Lord Ashley finds frustrating.

“Each minister I’ve spoken to individually has said that it’s a good bill, but they say there’s not enough parliamentary time. They use it as an excuse,” he says.

Lord Ashley has now reintroduced the bill into the Lords, where as Disability Now went to press it was due to go through the committee stage and receive its third reading.

He remains “very optimistic” about the bill. “Public opinion is now flowing our way. In many ways, the provision for disabled people is there – you go into shops or restaurants or cafes, and the provisions are there to see. It’s just not enough. We need legislation that is comprehensive. I believe that this bill is not just a blueprint but also an action plan. It’s an extremely well thought-out and comprehensive bill.”

Ministers have told Lord Ashley they don’t want to introduce the bill in its entirety, as it would be too expensive, a view he feels is rather simplistic. “The bill will be expensive, but not in the long run. The measures will get more disabled people back to work, there will be more income from taxes, there will be less spending. It will transform the whole situation.”

Without government support, it is extremely unlikely that the bill will make it onto the statute book, but Lord Ashley remains undeterred, and even exhibits an air of defiance.

“I’ll keep bringing the bill back to the Lords. I think if it keeps coming back, along with the combination of public pressure, we can get the bill passed,” he says.

“We need comprehensive legislation to ensure equality for disabled people. Words are often used like ‘choice’ and ‘control’ but basically we need legislative control. What we have at the moment is a patchwork of legislation that is shabby and weak.
“The main aim is to change the system to guarantee disabled people the rights they need.”