We recommend that the CRPD Committee asks: review of the framework for mental capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards in England and Wales, what steps has the UK Government taken to ensure that all professionals involved in the care of vulnerable adults are aware of and implementing the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act? Participation in political and public life (Article 29) As noted in Disability Rights in the UK, disabled people experience barriers to exercising their right to vote, and are under-represented in political life across the UK, and on the boards of public bodies. This section provides additional information and a suggested question relating to participation at local government level in England. Representation and participation in local government At local government level in England disability data is collected, although response rates from councillors can be low. 13% of councillors in England declared they had a disability in 2013. Equality legislation requires LAs to ensure reasonable adjustments are made for disabled councillors. Article 29(b)(ii) requires the UK Government to enable people with disabilities to participate in non-governmental organisations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country. Community participation and society’ have been encouraged by the ‘civil UK Government in England and Wales through Department for Communities and Local Government funded projects and the Localism Act 2011 which introduced new rights for communities to take greater control in their local areas. Evidence indicates that LAs could do more to ensure disabled people can participate. In 2010, the Speaker’s Conference found that disabled people are deterred from any ‘many sort of involvement in politics or public life by problems at the most local level, with their councils. LAs play an important role along the pathway to politics, but they do not always make it easy for disabled people to get involved. Despite, at the time, being required to do so under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Councillors Commission reported in 2007 that some LAs were failing to make sure that practical help for councillors with disabilities such things as sign language interpretation at official meetings, induction loop – systems and accessible meeting rooms was available and publicised. – We recommend that the CRPD Committee asks:
We recommend that the CRPD Committee asks: review of the framework for mental capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards in England and Wales, what steps has the UK Government taken to ensure that all professionals involved in the care of vulnerable adults are aware of and implementing the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act? Participation in political and public life (Article 29) As noted in Disability Rights in the UK, disabled people experience barriers to exercising their right to vote, and are under-represented in political life across the UK, and on the boards of public bodies. This section provides additional information and a suggested question relating to participation at local government level in England. Representation and participation in local government At local government level in England disability data is collected, although response rates from councillors can be low. 13% of councillors in England declared they had a disability in 2013. Equality legislation requires LAs to ensure reasonable adjustments are made for disabled councillors. Article 29(b)(ii) requires the UK Government to enable people with disabilities to participate in non-governmental organisations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country. Community participation and ‘civil society’ have been encouraged by the UK Government in England and Wales through Department for Communities and Local Government funded projects and the Localism Act 2011 which introduced new rights for communities to take greater control in their local areas. Evidence indicates that LAs could do more to ensure disabled people can participate. In 2010, the Speaker’s Conference found that ‘many disabled people are deterred from any sort of involvement in politics or public life by problems at the most local level, with their councils. LAs play an important role along the pathway to politics, but they do not always make it easy for disabled people to get involved. Despite, at the time, being required to do so under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Councillors Commission reported in 2007 that some LAs were failing to make sure that practical help for councillors with disabilities – such things as sign language interpretation at official meetings, induction loop systems and accessible meeting rooms – was available and publicised. We recommend that the CRPD Committee asks:
england_supplementary_submission_to_crpd_uk_loi_-_ehrc13_march.docx