Oral Answers to Questions

Stuart Andrew Excerpts

Monday 5th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Steve Webb]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that case. I have corresponded with Treasury colleagues about the issue, and, subject to their consent, I shall be happy to share with him the reply that I have just received.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

2. What progress he has made on the Government's disability strategy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Esther McVey)]

Fulfilling Potential, our disability strategy, is being co-produced with disabled people. We published “Fulfilling Potential—The Discussions So Far” and “Fulfilling Potential—Next Steps” on 17 September. Our key themes, which we intend to make a real difference, are early intervention, choice and control, and inclusive communities.

[Stuart Andrew]

Can the Minister explain what the role of the disabled people’s user-led organisations will be in the strategy?

[Esther McVey]

I can indeed. User-led groups will be a key element in everything that we do. It is essential for disabled people and their organisations to be at the heart of that. We have also created a £3 million fund, and I was delighted to be in Redbridge last week when we delivered £1 million of it.