Provision of disability equipment

Sharing your experiences for a Parliamentary debate

Brought to you by the Petitions Committee Team

On 11 March 2026, Seamus Logan MP led a Westminster Hall debate on the provision of disability equipment.

To inform his debate, he asked to hear about your experiences.

"I thank the 653 people who have shared their experiences and provided moving testimonials, which have been invaluable in my preparation for this debate. I appreciate the time and energy that has gone into each response."

Page contents:

Sharing survey responses

Transcript

The Government's response

Health Minister, Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, responded to the debate on behalf of the Government.

He described the Government's current policies and future ambitions on the provision of disability equipment.

Watch or read his full speech where he covers a range of topics including:

£723 million in 2026-27 for the disabled facilities grant. This is to support disabled people to get home adaptations.
The Better Care Fund, as a framework for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local authorities to join up plans and budgets. That can include providing assistive technology and equipment, such as wheelchairs.
NHS England’s wheelchair quality framework, designed to improve access, outcomes, and experiences.
The model service specification for wheelchairs. This sets out that assessments should take place in the most suitable environment for a person's needs.
The NHS 10-year health plan, which includes:

i. disabled people as a priority group for the development of neighbourhood healthcare.

ii. plans to have a neighbourhood health centre in each community. These are intended to reflect the specific needs of disabled people.

iii. increasing people's uptake of personal health budgets. The aim is to give them greater control over how their health is assessed and wellbeing needs are met.

iv. a commitment to updating complaints regulations, to achieve better accountability.

The NHS medium-term planning framework requiring all ICBs and community health services to:

i. actively manage and reduce the proportion of waits above 18 weeks

ii. develop a plan to eliminate all 52-week waits.

The community health services situation report. This includes data on waiting times for wheelchairs, orthotics, prosthetics, and equipment.

What is a Westminster Hall debate?

Westminster Hall debates enable backbench MPs from any party to raise an issue, and receive a response from the government.

They do not involve a vote on a particular action or decision.

Instead, the aim is to:

raise awareness of an issue, often as part of a wider campaign
seek to influence government policy
put the views of backbench MPs, opposition parties, and the government on record.

For more on Westminster Hall debates, see How Parliament Works.