Christine Jardine, Lib Dem MP for Edinburgh West, has asked the Minister for Local Government to make councils responsible for ensuring businesses provide wheelchair access.
Addressing the Minister, Ms Jardine asked: “Will the Minister agree to look at plans to make local authorities responsible for proactively enforcing provisions under the Equality Act which require businesses to provide wheelchair access.”
Ms Jardine drew attention to a petition launched by her constituent, Shirley Todd, campaigning for proper enforcement of Equality legislation which requires businesses to be accessible.
The Equality Act 2010 demands that ‘reasonable readjustments’ to remove barriers to disabled people should be made to premises.
Mrs Todd conducted her own survey, which found that 72% of businesses around Edinburgh’s Lothian Road, were not wheelchair accessible.
Mrs Jardine said: “I was appalled when Shirley first approached me about her issues accessing businesses across the country. Her hard work clearly demonstrates the need for proactive enforcement of equality legislation.
“I am delighted that Shirley’s campaign is taking off and I hope that the Government will see that there is an urgent need to take action.
“I welcome the Ministers response to my question today and will continue to push this issue in parliament to ensure that businesses and public spaces are accessible to everyone.”
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