Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 26 April 2023 on behalf of the Women and Equalities.

Customers with a Disability: Reasonable Adjustments

Question: Maggie from my part of east Devon is one of 11 million people in this country who have hearing loss. Maggie went to a well-known high street branch and explained that because of her hearing she is unable to use the phone. She was offered a 50-mile round trip to Exeter instead. In pursuit of the Equality Act, can the Minister explain what the Government are doing to ensure that banks and big businesses make reasonable adjustments for those with hearing loss?

Answer

I am sorry to hear the example that the hon. Gentleman gives about his constituent. Under the Equality Act, it would be indirect discrimination if

a service provider put in place rules or procedures that applied in the same way for everyone but had a disproportionate adverse effect on particular groups. I am more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the issue and see whether further action can be devised for his constituent.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 731 c719
Session: 2022-23
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Reasonable adjustments Disability Consumers
Link: View this Oral question on hansard.parliament.uk

Customers with a Disability: Reasonable Adjustments

Secondary information

Librarians' tools