Establish a UK Ministry for disabled people

Establishing a dedicated UK Ministry for Disabled People would allow disabled people to be represented at the highest level within government, ensuring their voices are not only heard but are integral in shaping the policies that affect their lives and wellbeing.

This proposal advocates for the establishment of a dedicated ministry, drawing on New Zealand’s approach. Such a ministry would:

• Coordinate policies, resources and initiatives across sectors to streamline access to integrated services nationwide.

• Ensure that disabled individuals receive coordinated support that addresses all aspects of their lives.

• Enable more efficient allocation of resources through centralised efforts.

A dedicated ministry that actively involves disabled people in decision-making would:

• Ensure that policies affecting disabled people are cohesive partnership between the disability community and government to help drive ongoing transformation of the disability system.

• Active participation through lived experiences provides invaluable insights that can lead to more effective and relevant policies and greater inclusivity in addressing the diverse needs of disabled people.

Establishing such a ministry presents challenges and it’s important to be mindful that integrating new policies and practices can face significant opposition, making the transition complex and prolonged. Additionally, adequate funding is crucial for success as without it, the ministry could struggle to implement initiatives.

Whaikaha - The Ministry of Disabled People in New Zealand - was hurried in its establishment and took on huge financial risks. The UK Government can draw on and learn from challenges faced by Whaikaha and the UK can avoid these financial and operational pitfalls by implementing robust financial management and monitoring systems. Establishing a dedicated ministry for disabled people signifies a proactive step towards prioritising the wellbeing needs and voices of disabled individuals.