ACCESS TO POST OFFICE SERVICES

Early day motion 769, tabled 25 February 2003 by Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 56 members.

That this House regrets that the pin pad introduced in post offices as part of the new card account system is inaccessible to many people with sight problems, learning difficulties and physical disabilities; believes this raises issues under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Human Rights Act 1998; notes that many disabled people need to withdraw their benefits in cash at their local post office because they are unable to travel independently to their nearest bank or are unable to use cash machines; believes that all disabled people must be entitled to easy, independent access to their benefits under the new direct payments system; urges the Post Office to introduce accessible pin pads at the earliest opportunity as advised by the Royal National Institute of the Blind, and speedily put in place an alternative system to the pin pad to enable people with sight problems and other disabilities to continue to access their benefits with ease; and calls on the Government to ensure future developments in relation to direct payments, including the proposed exceptions scheme and fully safeguard and promote the independence, dignity and equality of disabled people.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 34, Labour 10, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, DUP 1, Independent Conservative 1, Scottish National Party 1.