Following the Cabinet Secretary’s positive response to the short debate tabled by Suzy Davies AM on a disabled access scheme for businesses and public buildings, what action will the Welsh Government take to provide this kind of support for disabled people across Wales?
As Minister responsible for equality, I am committed to addressing social barriers to equality and to increasing levels of inclusion so that disabled people have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. I want to see disabled people having equal access to shops, restaurants and other public places, something which most of us take for granted.
I therefore welcome the petition from the Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People. I am not surprised that it has gained a good deal of attention and I am very supportive of the principles behind their proposal. I want this to be properly explored in consultation with disabled people. In the first instance I have suggested that the Petitions Committee explore some of the practical issues with the petitioners.
I will follow this process with interest and have asked my officials to take it forward through the steering group that has been overseeing the review of our Framework for Action on Independent Living.