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Written question asked by Jamie Reed (Labour) on Monday, 31 October 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 November 2016 (named day). It was answered by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 3 November 2016 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Parliamentary Estate: Disability

Question

To ask the Rt. hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington representing the House of Commons Commission, what estimate has been made of how many rooms on the Parliamentary estate are not wheelchair accessible.

Answer

The historic nature of the parliamentary estate means that newer buildings are more accessible than the older buildings for wheelchair users and people who need step-free access. While no estimate can be given of the number of rooms, those in Portcullis House and certain of the outbuildings have greater accessibility than the Palace and Norman Shaw buildings. Improving accessibility is being addressed as part of the Restoration and Renewal and Northern Estate Programmes, as well as the ongoing work across the estate.

Step-free access, as well as other access requirements, are a priority for the Commission. This year, we participated in the Business Disability Forum’s Disability Standard, which measures organisations against 10 criteria, including premises and adjustments. We increased our score from 42% in 2013 to 83%, achieving Silver accreditation. We have upgraded our membership of the BDF to Partner member, in order to make faster progress in becoming a ‘disability-smart’ organisation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
51170
Session
2016-17
Related items
Members: Offices
Tuesday, 22 November 2016
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Access Disability Wheelchairs Parliamentary estate
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk