The national disability charity, Sense, has called on the government to announce its new Minister for Disabled People, following the departure of Sarah Newton, who resigned last week (14th March) over Brexit.
The charity also criticised the government on the high turnover in the position, which has seen five ministers come and go since 2013, and is concerned about the risk of a ‘culture of churn’.
Sense Chief Executive, Richard Kramer, said:
“A week has passed since Newton’s resignation, and the government has still given no indication of when it intends to appoint a new Minister for Disabled People.
This lack of clarity from the government and the historic high turnover in the role gives the impression that this is a not a sufficient priority for government. More worryingly, it brings further uncertainty for the 13.9 million disabled people in the UK who need a minister in government that will champion their needs.
Amid the Brexit debates, it mustn’t be forgotten that outside the walls of Westminster, life goes on. Disabled people continue to not have access to the support they need, to experience barriers to employment and social opportunities, and to be subject to policy changes that negatively impact on their quality of life.
We want to work with government to deliver a better life for disabled people. We can’t do that without a dedicated Minister for Disabled People.”
About Sense:
Sense is a national disability charity that supports people living with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind, to communicate and experience the world. Sense supports children, young people and adults in their home and in the community, in their education and transition to adulthood and through its holidays, arts, sports and wellbeing programmes. In addition to practical support to families, Sense also offers information advice, short breaks and family events, and campaigns for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. For more information please visit: www.sense.org.uk
