Amendments for the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

The APPG was very grateful to the Lords who spoke during the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill debate in support of Lord Hunt’s amendment. The amendment would include wheelchair and community equipment provision among the “general health determinants” that authorities need to consider as a factor in health inequality.

Our recent inquiry report highlighted a systemic crisis in the community care equipment sector. Around one in three equipment users are still waiting for approved equipment; one in five wait more than two months, and 74% of delayed hospital discharges are linked to equipment delays. This amendment would help address the health inequalities faced by people with accessibility needs, by ensuring all levels of local government are held accountable for this vital aspect of community and social care.

While the amendment was withdrawn, it was encouraging to hear clear recognition of the delays and variation in provision that many people experience, alongside a commitment to raise these concerns with the MHCLG and DHSC and to review the available data.