Mayor's Disability Action Plan Criticised for Lack of Ambition

The Mayor of London launched his first action plan for Deaf and Disabled Londoners on September 14, outlining commitments to address inequalities in transport, safety, housing, employment, and financial support. The plan aims to push boroughs and developers for more accessible housing and simplify access to financial entitlements and emergency evacuations.

Criticism of the Plan's Scope

Despite the stated aims, the plan has faced criticism for its perceived lack of ambition. Hina Bokhari, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly, stated that the plan is "completely lacking the scale of ambition, transformation and investment needed to even make a dent in the barriers disabled Londoners face." She expressed concern that the strategy risks "papering over London's accessibility failures rather than confronting them."

Tracey Lazard, CEO of Inclusion London, described the plan as a "strategically important positive step" and welcomed it as an independent strategic partner to the GLA. However, she noted that not all community suggestions were included and stressed the importance of full implementation and using the plan's visions to guide future policy.

Addressing Key Inequalities

The action plan addresses five main challenges. Research cited in the plan indicates that poverty levels are, on average, seven points higher in households with a disabled family member (31 per cent) compared to those without. Employment rates also show a disparity, with 59 per cent of disabled Londoners in work versus 80 per cent of non-disabled Londoners in 2024.

Almost a third of disabled Londoners live in social housing, compared to 10 per cent of non-disabled residents. Those unable to access suitable social housing often face significant financial pressure in the private rental market. The GLA plans to pilot improvements to accessible advice provision to help disabled Londoners claim financial support and be aware of Transport for London concessions.

Safety and Reporting Concerns

The plan also acknowledges concerns around safety, including the issue of floating bus stops, which was raised with the GLA in July. While not explicitly detailed in the plan, campaigners have called for an end to their construction to prevent accidents. The Metropolitan Police recorded 2,245 incidents of disability hate crime between 2022 and 2026. In response, the Met will work with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) disability co-production group to improve crime reporting and victim support. A commitment has also been made to work with the London Fire Brigade to establish safe evacuation routes in all buildings.

The GLA has pledged to strengthen engagement with disabled Londoners to ensure their lived experiences inform the work. A "lived experience co-chair" will be appointed to support this initiative, working alongside the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Debbie Bernard-Weekes.

Monitoring and Future Updates

Progress on the action points will be monitored by the GLA, with quarterly updates provided to its disability engagement forum and published online. The Mayor of London, in the report's foreword, stated the plan is a "promise of practical action" to dismantle barriers faced by the capital's 1.2 million Deaf and Disabled people.

Deputy Mayor Ms Weekes attended the plan's launch in place of the Mayor, who had previously indicated he would be present. Ms Bokhari commented that the Mayor's absence was "not surprising given it's hardly a plan to shout from the rooftops about."