As a Headteacher deeply engaged with the disability community, both personally and professionally, I am profoundly disappointed by the recent decision made by West Northants Council regarding their Disability Forum. I live with a physical disability and work daily with disabled students, making this issue not only personal but urgent. The voices of those who navigate life with a disability must be at the forefront of policy-making, not pushed to the margins. It is imperative that elected officials recognise the crucial insights that those with lived experiences bring to the table.

Disabled individuals have valuable perspectives that can significantly enhance the development and implementation of effective disability policies. Recent changes made by West Northants Council hinder the ability for these essential voices to be adequately represented. Isolated decision-making cannot account for the complex and varied experiences of the disabled community. Yet, instead of fostering collaboration and feedback from those directly affected, the Council’s actions suggest that the perspectives of disabled individuals are being overlooked. What do the council have against disabled people?

Recent ONS data for West Northamptonshire from mid-2024 shows that 16% of the total population have some from of disability. This is some 78370 residents with the majority of these (54%) being in the working age group of 18-64. This signifies a large segment of the population whose needs and rights deserve focused attention and advocacy. By not actively including disabled people in meaningful consultations and discussions, West Northants Council risks alienating a significant portion of its community. Rather than a unilateral approach, we must build inclusive platforms where disabled voices can contribute meaningfully to policy-making processes.

Decisions have been repeatedly made without considering the impact on people with disabilities in West Northamptonshire. Additionally, proposals to implement car parking charges pose significant challenges given the lack of accessible payment machines for disabled individuals. The council U-turned with parking charges as it became clear that it attacked disabled residents and I urge them to do the same here.

On the 13th July, the council's administration voted against a motion to reintroduce the disability forum and service ambassadors, suggesting it was 'woke' and part of a 'toxic DEI agenda'. To hear such expressions by elected officials sent a shudder down my spine. Northamptonian's do not speak like that about vulnerable residents. The very people in charge of protecting residents interests are unilaterally enabling inequality against disabled people. This is simply, disgraceful.

The absence of a dedicated disability forum in the decision-making processes has exacerbated these issues, leading to solutions that are not inclusive or adequately thought out. Wheelchair users, individuals with limited mobility, and those with various disabilities find navigating public spaces increasingly difficult due to oversight and lack of representation. How can we help change if we don't want to listen?

We must rectify this situation by reinstating the disability forum within the West Northamptonshire Council. This body previously played a crucial role in ensuring the needs and concerns of the disabled community were addressed and integrated into public policies and planning.

Moreover, to strengthen this initiative, each service area within the council should appoint dedicated disability champions. These champions will be specially trained to ensure that every decision and policy is made through the lens of those with disabilities, safeguarding their rights and accessibility in all public domains.

By reinstating the forum and establishing the role of trained champions, West Northamptonshire Council will foster an inclusive society where everyone can thrive and participate fully without facing unnecessary barriers.

Please join us in calling for West Northamptonshire Council to restore the disability forum and guarantee disability champions across all service areas. As a former elected Councillor and a disabled one at that, I know the needs of residents in the town. Similarly, as an employer, West Northants Council employs a wide variety of people with a broad range of disabilities and this decision is not only illogical but it seeks to marginalise the voices of disabled staff. This body previously played a crucial role in ensuring the needs and concerns of the disabled community were addressed and integrated into public policies and planning.

I urge West Northants Council to reconsider their decision and implement a more inclusive and transparent framework for disability policy discussions. Let us ensure that those who truly understand the challenges faced by disabled people are part of shaping the solutions. Every policy affecting lives should be informed by those who live it every day.  I urge the administration to leave their national policy directions out of caring for the residents of our great county and put our residents first.

Best wishes,

Harry