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PM’s ‘war on red tape’ harms lives of the disabled

DAVID CAMERON’S war on “red tape” has led to disabled people facing “disgraceful” discrimination in everyday life, according to a damning Lords report released today.

Peers found disabled people still face barriers to access public services, transport, leisure facilities or even the toilet when they’re out of the house.

The committee — appointed to look at the impact of the 2010 Equality Act on disabled people — warned the government’s “red tape challenge” is being used as a “pretext for removing protection” by public authorities, business and bosses.

“The government, instead of concentrating on the burden on businesses, should be looking at the burden on disabled people,” the report blasts.

The criticism comes after the Prime Minister scrapped equality impact assessments which forced public bodies to consider disability, race and gender when making decisions.

He branded it “bureaucratic nonsense” when he announced the move in 2012 at the conference of the CBI big business lobby.

Despite disabled people facing increased discrimination, the committee warns Tory policies have denied many access to justice.

Its report says: “The government, by imposing tribunal fees, withdrawing legal aid and changing the costs rules, has hindered, not helped.”

Overall the committee said government policies are failure to implement the Equality Act is having a “hugely adverse effect on disabled people.”

Shadow work and pensions secretary Owen Smith said the Tories should “hang their heads in shame.

“Shamefully things are set to get even worse, as even after this week’s humiliating U-turn on cuts to PIP, the Tories are still planning to take £1,500 a year from almost half a million disabled people, to fund giveaways for the wealthiest and big business.

“They should find a conscience, learn the lessons of last week and scrap these plans today.”

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