Following the Government’s recent decisions concerning the role of Minister for Disabled People, Chair of Level Playing Field, Tony Taylor, has written to The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Tom Pursglove MP’s move to the Home Office resulted in a vacancy, with confirmation that a dedicated role for disability would no longer be in place following a week later. Mims Davies MP was then appointed as Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work.
The letter sent to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport explains the need for greater emphasis to be placed on the requirements of disabled sports fans.
Level Playing Field’s full letter can be read below:
I am raising this matter with you on behalf of Level Playing Field, the leading charity for disabled sports fans across England and Wales.
I am sure you will understand that the recent decision regarding the position of Minister for Disabled People has, for many in the disabled community, intensified concerns about the Government’s priorities.
We are concerned that removing the dedicated ministerial position for disabled people could have an adverse impact on almost a quarter of the population you serve. The only way to counteract this, is if each department places greater emphasis on their plans to improve the lives of disabled people and ensure our requirements are neither overlooked nor disregarded.
As disabled football sports fans, we have already seen opportunity to introduce measures and oversight on accessibility squandered through the process of the Fan-Led Review and introduction of an independent regulator. I know, of course, that you recognise your responsibility as Secretary of State to ensure there is another means of driving improvements forward and this cannot be left to ourselves as a registered charity lacking legislative authority.
This could have been a shared remit with the Minister for Disabled People, but with that now only forming part of a lesser portfolio, we trust that we will see leadership from you by way of a stronger commitment to disabled fans.
It is widely recognised that there are many benefits for disabled people in attending live events as spectators, both in terms of physical and mental health. We would therefore like to know what plans the government has in place to increase standards of accessibility and inclusion for disabled supporters across all sports.
You do, of course, have my absolute assurance that Level Playing Field will be pleased to provide insight and advice and also afford you the opportunity to consult with our disabled fan base directly.
Naturally, if my organisation can be of further assistance in this regard, do please let me know.
I await your reply with interest.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Taylor
Chair – Level Playing Field