DIRECT ACTION NETWORK'S 'FREE OUR PEOPLE' CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 1220, tabled 30 April 2002 by Paul Holmes (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 50 members.

That this House welcomes the disabled people's Direct Action Network's 'Free our people' campaign to facilitate full independent living for all disabled people; notes with concern that many local authorities, because of the ú1 billion shortfall in social services funding provided by the Government, often have to operate a ceiling - either in terms of cost or eligibility criteria, or both - on the level of resources at which independent living for disabled people is deemed to be viable; further notes with concern that if a disabled person moves from one local authority to another they have to be reassessed before they can get the services they need to live in the community; believes these injustices are compounded by a lack of accessible housing options; further believes that all disabled people must be empowered with viable independent living options; therefore endorses Direct Action Network's goals for a programme to increase the stock of accessible housing, an end to charging for personal care in all settings, reform of community care provisions so that services follow the person and the establishment of independent living centres run by disabled people, in every area; and calls on the Government to address these demands and the shortfall in centrally provided social services funding so that local authorities can play a full part in the drive towards greater social inclusion for disabled people.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 34, Labour 8, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.