Overview

This bill amends the Equality Act 2010 to improve disabled access to public buildings in England, Wales and Scotland by requiring ramps to replace single steps of less than six or twelve inches, depending on the implementation date. The bill introduces a tiered approach to implementation, with the six-inch rule coming into effect sooner than the twelve-inch rule.

Description

The bill adds new subsections to Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, which concerns the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

Six-inch Rule: Within one year of the bill’s passage, buildings will be required to install ramps instead of single steps under six inches high to ensure wheelchair accessibility.

Twelve-inch Rule: Two years after the bill’s passage, the requirement extends to single steps under twelve inches high. This section of the Act is intended to supersede the previous six-inch rule.

Exemption: The requirement for ramps only applies to buildings with a single step for access; buildings with multiple steps are exempt.

Implementation: The bill will come into effect immediately upon passage, with the adjustments to Section 20 taking effect 12 months (six inch rule) and 24 months (twelve-inch rule) later. The six-inch rule will be repealed after two years when the twelve-inch rule takes full effect.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending. However, the costs of implementing the changes (installing ramps) will fall on building owners. The exact financial impact is unknown but likely to vary depending on the number of buildings affected and the costs of the adaptations.

Groups Affected

Disabled people: This bill directly benefits wheelchair users and other disabled individuals by improving access to public buildings.

Building owners: Building owners will be required to make changes to their properties, incurring costs associated with ramp installation. The impact will vary depending on the existing structure of the buildings.

Businesses: Businesses operating in buildings that require modifications may experience costs related to the implementation of this bill.

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