Written question asked by James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 27 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Friday, 31 October 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Guide Dogs
- Question
-
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure an adequate number of working guide dogs.
- Answer
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The UK government recognises the invaluable role guide dogs play in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with visual and hearing loss.
Assistance dogs are not funded or provided by the government. Direct provision of guide dogs is primarily handled by charitable organisations. Organisations like Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), an umbrella coalition for well established dog training organisations, offer information and advice on how to apply for an assistance dog.
We are aware of issues around shortages of assistance dogs since the pandemic and there has been dialogue with assistance dogs' charities. Guide Dogs UK have assured us that they are on course to return to pre-pandemic supply levels soon and are working hard to reduce waiting times.
Secondary information
- Type
- Written question
- Reference
- 85572
- Session
- 2024-26
- Grouped for answer
- Yes
- Subjects
- Guide dogs
- Link
- View this Written question on www.parliament.uk
Librarians' tools
- Timestamp
- 2025-10-31 12:14:39 +0000
- URI
- http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2024-26/85572
- In Indexing
- http://indexing.parliament.uk/Content/Edit/1?uri=http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2024-26/85572
- In Solr
- https://search.parliament.uk/claw/solr/?id=http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2024-26/85572