Jane Hutt, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
I would like to update Assembly Members on the Welsh Government’s forthcoming Framework for Action on Independent Living. The Framework will set out the action to be taken to promote the rights of disabled people in Wales to live independently and exercise the same rights as other citizens. It will contribute to the Welsh Government’s Strategic Equality Plan and support the Tackling Poverty Action Plan.
In my evidence to the Petitions Committee on 11 October 2011, I said that the Welsh Government would develop a Framework for Action on Independent Living by summer 2012: the Framework fulfils that commitment.
In developing the Framework, the Welsh Government has recognised that many disabled people in Wales are vulnerable to the impact of the UK Government’s programme of welfare reform. The Framework can only address those issues within the Welsh Government’s powers, but it will set out clearly what we are doing, and intend to do, to promote a more inclusive and enabling society.
The Framework will address the priorities identified by disabled people, and has been developed in partnership with them and disabled people’s organisations, with engagement across Wales.
The Framework will be launched for consultation on 20 September and I will ensure Members receive copies at that time, followed by an oral statement during the Autumn Session.