Greater Manchester launches Disabled People’s Panel

Wheelchair user

Greater Manchester has set out plans to improve equality in the city-region by launching the Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel.

Working side by side with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the panel will bring a voice to disabled people and the opportunity to influence change.

In order to provide the panel with an active role in shaping and challenging policy, their initial focus will be on:

• Championing new, improved standards of working with disabled people’s organisations
• 'Reflecting the seven needs of Independent living that is underpinned by the Social Model of Disability including Information; Peer Support; Housing; Equipment; Personal Assistance; Transport; and Access
• Benefitting all disabled people across Greater Manchester, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual identity or age.

The panel is also the first of its kind in the country to employ a full-time lead that offers a formal partnership between disabled people, representative organisations and an elected Mayor.

Councillor Brenda Warrington, Greater Manchester portfolio lead for Equality said: “I’m incredibly proud that our city-region is developing this panel to ensure Greater Manchester is a region where no person is left behind.

“The panel will place the voice of disabled people at the heart of delivery across the city-region and show our commitment to improve standards of working with disabled people.

“By approving funding for the panel, the GMCA will show the rest of the country that Greater Manchester is the best place for everybody to grow up, get on and grow old.”

The initial funding for the board will run from February 2019 until March 2020, at which point the next steps of it will be reviewed.

For further information please contact the Communications and Engagement team on 0161 608 4092 or email: news@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk