John Swinney’s Programme for Government is full of abysmal decisions, shameful betrayals and savage cuts, but few are quite as damaging as the broken promises to the disabled buried in the small print.
In the wake of the eye-watering cuts being introduced by the SNP government, it’s clearer than ever that there is an urgent need for a disabilities commissioner to protect the interests of vulnerable people who are all too often overlooked when ministers set out their priorities.
The equalities committee is currently taking evidence in order to put together their stage one report on my Bill, which would allow for the role to be created and defined.
They have already heard from a number of third-sector organisations (the majority of which have been supportive of my proposals), existing commissions, and the minister, Kaukab Stewart. Next week, I will be giving evidence to them.
The SNP government has previously committed to establishing a learning disabilities and neurodiversity commissioner during this parliament but has made slow progress towards it. It now seems unlikely that they will be able to get their Bill through before May 2026.
It is, in any case, far too narrow in scope. My Bill would give real power to a role which would promote and safeguard the rights of people of all disabilities. The commissioner would advocate for awareness and understanding of the rights of disabled people.
The job would also come with powers to review the law, policy and practice relating to the rights of disabled people, promote best practice by service providers, and undertake research on matters relating to the rights of disabled people.
The cuts being made to the Changing Places toilet fund are a prime example of the need for such a role.
This programme was intended to provide much-needed provision for those – particularly the most seriously disabled – who struggle to use existing “accessible” facilities.
These spaces can be transformative for those with complex care needs. They typically offer height-adjustable changing benches, a hoist, and the extra space necessary to cater to people who may need extra equipment or the help of others to use toilet facilities easily and safely.
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SNP ministers have dithered and delayed over their introduction since they promised to take action back in 2021. Now, disgracefully, they have dropped them from their budget altogether.
It’s shocking that some of the most vulnerable in society are the ones who are now suffering as a result of the SNP’s appalling mismanagement.
The £10million allocated to this programme may be a fairly small component of the £500m worth of cuts being made by Shona Robison, the finance secretary, to fill the huge black hole in Scotland’s finances, but it will have a devastating impact on the lives of disabled people.
It will rob them of opportunities to work, travel and take part in everyday activities that most folk take for granted.
That is, unfortunately, all too typical of the way in which the rights and needs of disabled people are treated – when they are addressed at all – as an afterthought.
The SNP government has previously, when faced with forceful opposition – as with its planned cuts to the arts, or in the face of threatened public sector strikes – reversed its position or managed to find additional money.
It always, whatever the other priorities and pressures, manages to provide a budget for its independence obsession, and a platoon of special advisers and spin doctors who defend their interests.
Disabled people deserve a similarly powerful voice or they will continue to pay the penalty for the SNP’s incompetent handling of our finances.
My Bill would ensure respect for the inherent dignity of disabled people. It would protect in law their freedom to make their own choices, and their independence.
A disabilities commissioner would fight for the full and effective participation and inclusion of disabled people in society, ensure consultation with disabled people, and their active involvement in the decision-making processes concerning issues relating to them.
It’s a long overdue step towards safeguarding disabled people’s rights. And these latest shameful cuts make it obvious that it’s needed more urgently than ever.
Jeremy Balfour is the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for the Lothian Region
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