Access For Disabled People

EDM number 393 in 1991-92, proposed by Harry Barnes on 12/12/1991.

That this House notes that part M, as amended of the 1985 Building Regulations only applies to new buildings, defers to architectural whims and is too lax and open to misinterpretation by the owners and architects of such buildings; believes that tougher action should be taken by the Government to ensure that all public buildings and facilities are fully accessible to disabled people; further believes, therefore, that effective powers should be given to an independent arbitration authority; that these powers should include the right to inspect buildings for accessibility to disabled people, to stipulate the improvements to be undertaken and to impose stiff fines if the necessary work is not carried out without good reason and within a stated time; further believes that such an arbitration authority, in direct consultation with organisations of disabled people should develop a long-term strategy and a legal framework for the full accessibility of such buildings to disabled people; recognises that central government funding will be necessary for the operation of the arbitration authority; notes with regret the contrast between the parlous state of legislation on access for disabled people in this country compared with the American Disabilities Act which outlaws discrimination against disabled people in transport; employment and access to buildings; and calls upon the Government to take positive action on this issue within the current Parliamentary session.

This motion has been signed by a total of 72 MPs.