This week in Parliament I was very proud to publish the Health & Disability Green Paper, looking at how the Department for Work & Pensions both provides support for disabled people. A Green Paper sets out our intentions for potential improvements and starts a 12-week consultation period, which will end October 12th. We will then consider all the responses and then bring forward our plans for further improvements and potentially new legislation.
The Green Paper focus on two main areas as identified throughout our extensive consultation with health and disability charities, organisations, and individual disabled people.
Firstly, Disability Employment. As a Government we are proud to have delivered record disability employment, but we are ambitious for more – with our target of 1 million more disabled people in work by 2027. We are exploring ways to boost recruitment, retention and career progression, so everyone can fulfil their potential – time and time again, I am asked by young disabled people – ‘I want the same opportunities that my friends take for granted’ – this is why this is so important.
Secondly, Welfare Support. As a Government we are now £26bn per year on the main disability benefits, up £4bn in real-terms since 2010. We will be looking at 4 key themes: claimants access to supportive, good quality evidence, strengthening the role of advocacy, reviewing assessments – including extending the use of telephone and video technology and finally improving the Appeals process.
This is vital work and I have worked closely with the health & disability charities, regional stakeholder networks and individual disabled people and groups – including many from Swindon to set the themes for change. Collectively we will make a difference to some of the most vulnerable in society, making sure people can lead independent lives and crucially fulfil their potential.
Tomorrow is my annual Summer Activities Fair at the Orbital Shopping Park. Unfortunately, last year’s fair had to be cancelled due to COVID – so I am very excited that it is back!
With the holidays beginning, I know many parents, grandparents and guardians will be looking for activities to keep the kids entertained throughout the summer – and the aim of the Summer Activity Fair is to help them discover new activities and experiences which can help fill the time until the end of the holidays. A number of groups will be there to highlight what they have to offer, including: Draycott Sports Camp, Swindon Supermarine, Swindon and Cricklade Railway, and Rockstar Climbing.
The event is running from 10am to 1pm at the Orbital Shopping Park, and I hope to see as many people there as possible!
Finally – it was fantastic to be able to watch a live football match again! Swindon Supermarine FC hosted Swindon Town on Tuesday – glorious weather, good crowd and the excitement that Swindon Town had just confirmed their new Chairman. There was a real buzz in the crowd when unannounced he arrived. Fans were very keen to pass on their thanks, ask for a photo (myself included!) and finally be able to start planning for the new season. After such a torrid time for the club, staff and fans – it was clear this is a new start – both clubs can look forward to the new season with renewed hope!
