Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) supply chain delays, (b) manufacturing costs and (c) procurement processes on the length of time it takes for people to receive mobility equipment.

The Department has regular engagement with suppliers to monitor continuity of supply to patients. A number of global factors such as shipping, material sourcing and local lockdowns have impacted the supply of mobility aids over the past year, especially where these are sourced from the Far East. However, these pressures are alleviating and there is evidence of continuing improvement in the supply position.

A large proportion of mobility aids are recovered and reconditioned in the United Kingdom by providers which mitigates the impact of disruptions in the supply of new products. Additionally, the diversity of suppliers to the market means that alternatives are often available where individual suppliers may experience disruption to supply.