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New action needed to improve disabled people's lives (16/6/2004)

Disabled people fare less well compared to non-disabled people and new action is needed to remove barriers and improve outcomes for disabled people, highlights an interim report released today by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit.

The Analytical Report 'Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People' has identified that around 10 million people are affected by disability including almost 20% of the UK working age population, with trends suggesting this is on the increase.

Sponsor Minister, Maria Eagle said

'The Government is committed to improving the opportunities for disabled people and that is why the Strategy Unit has been commissioned to undertake this review.

'With such a large proportion of our population and workers affected by disability, it is vital that we identify major changes to reduce barriers that inhibit people from participating within our community.

'This work will promote a greater understanding of disability and provide practical solutions to ensure a more positive experience and understanding of disability in our society.

'I encourage all interested parties to respond to the issues raised in this Analytical Report, which will feed into the final recommendations.'

The report also identified the continuing situation where disabled people suffer adverse social outcomes, particularly at key transition points of their lives. This occurs when they move between full-time education and employment or between employment and economic inactivity.

Children with disabled parents and families with disabled children are also particularly affected, with 55% of families with disabled children living in or on the margins of poverty.

Also, while there are many successful government services and policies in place, these can be fragmented and their effectiveness can be low in some cases.

The overall aim of the project is to identify practical ways to remove barriers and improve outcomes for disabled people. Specifically it is exploring disabled people's 'life chances' and will make policy recommendations to government based around a comprehensive vision for disabled people. This will be achieved by:

• assessing the extent to which disabled people are suffering adverse economic and social outcomes in the UK;
• identifying why this is happening and what are its implications; and
• recommending what can be done to improve the situation.

The definition of a 'disabled' person includes a person with mental health conditions, long-term illness, learning difficulties and the effects brought on by old age.

Information and feedback from this Analytical Report will feed into the final report expected to be presented to the Government in autumn 2004. This analysis will also feed into the Spending Review 2004.

Notes to editors:

1.  The Analytical Report 'Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People' was published today at 10.30am by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit. A summary report is also available. Copies of the full and summary reports can be accessed via http://www.strategy.gov.uk/ and easy-to-read and braille copies are also available by contacting the Project Team on 020 7276 1881.

2. Feedback is welcomed and regular e-mail updates about the project are also available. Please contact the Strategy Unit Disability Team direct.
E-mail: Disability@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk
Post: Cabinet Office, Room 4.14 Admiralty Arch, The Mall, London, SW1A 2WH
Fax: 020 7276 1407

3. The Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People project was announced on  
3 December 2003. The Strategy Unit was asked to provide supporting analysis and a strategic assessment of disabled people's life chances - the opportunities available to disabled people, both children and adults, to improve their quality of life. The final report will be presented to the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle (Department for Work and Pensions).

4. The Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People project has been organised in the following way.

• Phase One was an extended scoping phase where the Strategy Unit held meetings with representatives of disabled people, service providers, government departments and other organisations. A review was undertaken of the literature and evidence based on disabled people's life chances. At the end of this phase the Strategy Unit highlighted areas for more detailed analysis.
• Phase Two has consisted of a detailed analysis of the areas identified by the Strategy Unit in Phase One. The next step is to increase its engagement with disabled people, representative organisations and other groups through stakeholder seminars, discussion groups and other forums using the Analytical Report as a basis.
• Phase Three will present to government recommended policies which will
  remove barriers and improve outcomes for disabled people based around a comprehensive vision for the disabled people.

5. The Strategy Unit continues to work with disabled people and their representatives, other interested organisations and government departments. A Project Advisory Group has been established and meets regularly.  The group is chaired by Maria Eagle and is made up of Ministers, external experts and civil servants.

6. The Strategy Unit is working closely with other initiatives being taken forward by other government departments, including the Social Exclusion Unit's report on  mental health and social exclusion. This report was published Monday, 14 June 2004 and focuses on the specific issues faced by adults with mental health conditions.

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