Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to introduce design standards that ensure greater accessibility in (a) parks, (b) woodlands and (c) other outdoor spaces for disabled people.

The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public sector organisations to have due regard to the provision of walking and wheeling infrastructure for those who are disabled or have reduced mobility.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 introduced the need for local authorities to prepare and publish rights of way improvement plans explaining how improvements made by the local authority to the public rights of way network will provide a better experience for people with mobility problems.

There are no plans to make any further legislative changes in this area at this time.

In addition Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Standards for England sets out the principles for planning green infrastructure to deliver multiple benefits for people and nature.