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Written question asked by Neil Hudson (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 February 2024 (named day). It was answered by Stuart Andrew (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 February 2024 on behalf of the Women and Equalities.

Guide Dogs: Business Premises

Question

What steps the Government is taking to help tackle refusal of entry of guide dogs into business establishments.

Answer

Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses and public bodies that provide goods and services to the public must not unlawfully discriminate against disabled people, including those with assistance dogs.

The Act places a duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to improve access to premises, buildings and services. This could include allowing the use of assistance dogs so that disabled customers are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled customers.

The Disability Action Plan published on 5th February 2024 includes an action to establish an assistance dogs and animals working group, which will consider issues including how to educate businesses on the rights of assistance dog owners and to help simplify reporting access refusals.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
901449
Session
2023-24
Question not reached
Yes
Subjects
Business premises Guide dogs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk