THE Scottish government must take “positive action” to support disabled people “abandoned by public bodies” realise their rights, MSPs are demanding.

The cross-party equalities, human rights and civil justice committee drew the conclusion after taking evidence from a range of disabled people’s groups on proposals to create a disability commissioner.

Glasgow Disability Alliance’s Tressa Burke told the committee the need for the role was “desperate, given dehumanisation, deprioritisation and the lack of political leadership in allocating resources that would change disabled people’s lives.”

She said: “If we do not have a disability commissioner, what are we going to do and who will do that work?”

Holyrood calls for a moratorium on new commissioners meant the committee made no recommendation, but convener Karen Adam said: “We heard upsetting evidence about the challenges experienced by disabled people and their advocates during this inquiry.

“Their feedback was clear — disabled people too often feel let down and abandoned by public bodies.

“The Scottish government must take strong and positive action to address the barriers that disabled people continue to face in realising their rights.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.