Overview

The Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill aims to improve the lives of disabled people in England and Wales by giving them more choice and control over their care and support, promoting independent living, and ensuring equal opportunities. The bill establishes new rights for disabled people and imposes duties on local authorities and NHS bodies to support them.

Description

Key Rights for Disabled Persons:

• Right to Information, Advice, and Assistance: Access to clear information about their rights and available services.
• Right to Self-Directed Assessment: Control over their own needs assessment for support.
• Right to Individual or Delegated Budgets: Choice of how support funds are managed (directly or by a chosen person/organization).
• Right to Determine Living Arrangements: Freedom to choose their living situation (home, supported housing, or care establishment).
• Right to Independent Advocacy: Access to support in navigating systems and asserting their rights.

Duties of Local Authorities and NHS Bodies:

• Develop and implement a national independent living strategy: To outline how the bill will be implemented and resourced.
• Promote independent living: Actively work to support disabled people in living independently.
• Provide a range of support services: Including communication, advocacy, practical assistance, housing, and employment support.
• Maintain a register of disabled persons: To track needs and plan services effectively.
• Enhance capacity of local service providers: Support organizations that help disabled people.
• Co-operate with each other and relevant partners: To improve coordination of services.

Amendments to Existing Acts:

The bill amends several existing Acts, including the Mental Health Act 1983, the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, and the Building Act 1984, to better reflect the principles of independent living and ensure consistency across different areas of legislation.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it requires the creation of a national economic plan to outline the costs and benefits of implementing the bill's provisions, including transitional funding. It also suggests that the government may reinvest savings from other areas into the implementation of this Act.

Groups Affected

• Disabled People: The bill aims to significantly improve their lives by giving them more control and choice in their support and living arrangements.
• Carers: The bill recognizes the importance of carers and aims to support their wellbeing and prevent undue dependence.
• Local Authorities: They will have new responsibilities for providing and coordinating support services.
• NHS Bodies: They will have a role in providing associated healthcare and support services.
• Housing Providers: The bill encourages the provision of accessible housing.
• Service Providers (Voluntary and Private): They may have opportunities to provide services under the new framework.

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