A number of constituents have sent me a campaign
email entitled, “I want you to be a Disability Gamechanger”.
I read the statistics and goals with both concern
and interest. During my time in business locally, I set out to ensure my
company went the extra mile to ensure we did all we could to employ and retain
staff with many different forms of disability. I was pleased to work closely
with the local job centre on this issue and saw real success.
During my time on the Transport Committee, I was
pleased to see changes in transport regulations to improve access and
facilities on public transport – whilst I also acknowledge there is much more
to do.
The recent announcement by the Government on proposals
to make Changing Places Toilets for people with severe disabilities mandatory
in new large public buildings has been is a vital step forward and one I have
fully supported. Currently, building regulations guidance only recommends
Changing Places toilets are provided.
Alongside this, the Department of Health and Social
Care has announced £2 million to install over 100 Changing Places toilets in
NHS hospitals throughout England. There are currently only around 30 to 40
Changing Places on the NHS England estate, and this investment will enable
Trusts to increase accessibility. I met with local campaigners to discuss the
importance of providing accessible toilets for everyone in public places,
particularly in NHS facilities. It is common sense that everyone should be able
to use toilet facilities and I very much hope this consultation, which is a
vital step forward to increasing accessibility for disabled people, will lead
to these changes being put in place without delay.
If honoured with re-election as MP for St Austell
and Newquay constituency, I will continue to champion improving life for people
with disabilities.
The Conservative Party manifesto outlines the
commitments made to those with disabilities. You can read the full details
here:
