This week I was proud to be asked by the Guide Dogs to host their ‘Open Doors’ Parliamentary event.
Every week in Parliament there are lots of events, meetings and exhibitions organised by different charities and organisations – with the annual Guide Dogs event always the most popular. They have a well-earned reputation for relevant and constructive campaigns, well organised events, and the amazing guide dogs themselves are a big attraction!
Over the years I have worked with the Guide Dogs on numerous campaigns. Guide dogs can be life changing. They offer independence, mobility, and the chance to live life to the full. However, being refused access to a shop, restaurant or cafe because of a guide dog is a regular occurrence for people with sight loss. 81% of guide dog owners say that they have experienced an access refusal. That means being told that they cannot enter a business or are challenged about their entry, because of their dog.
This is illegal as part of the Equality Act 2010 and if a deeply harmful form of discrimination. Yet, 47% of retail staff and 19% of hospitality staff were unaware that it is illegal. However, the onus is on the guide dog owners themselves to pursue discrimination cases through the courts, which is notoriously difficult and places a great deal of stress upon guide dog owners.
At the event we heard from both the charity and numerous guide dog owners about very personal and embarrassing situations when access was refused.
I set out in my speech how this is a simple fix with a tweak to the legislation. When I was Minister for Disabled People, I was approached about the same issue, though specifically in relation to taxis. By tweaking the law, it became the licensing committee who could pursue a discrimination case, rather the individual. This helped on two fronts. It was a clear part of their licence, so awareness significantly increased, and compliance increased as it became obvious that action would be taken.
We need to apply the same principle to shops, restaurants, and cafes. This would tackle the poor awareness and the minority of poor business owners who continue to refuse guide dogs, action could easily be taken. This is a win-win. The problem is the lack of awareness, rather than people knowingly discriminating. With nearly half of guide dog owners actively changing plans on which places to avoid, those very businesses are missing out on their custom.
I pressed the Minister hard in my speech to deliver the easy fix that has already be shown to work with taxis. The Minister gave a firm commitment to explore this urgently – a very positive outcome.
Elsewhere I am supporting the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Christmas Gift Appeal again this year. Christmas can be a very difficult time for families who find themselves in a refuge, by donating a gift you could really brighten their day.
Gifts are needed for women, men & children of all ages. Ideas for gifts include new items such as toiletries, PJs, scarves, gloves, games, toys, puzzles, books, and even festive food items (with long dates) such as mince pies, Christmas puddings and crisps and snacks. Gifts must be new, unwrapped and in their original packaging.
My office is open for donations weekdays 9am-5pm until 15th December, it would be great to get some more gifts under the tree.
