Member

The next amendment tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Holmes, relating to Clause 22 is Amendment 39. This seeks to require consultation with groups representing disabled people and with disabled people themselves whenever the Secretary of State gives, revokes or updates existing versions of the statutory guidance. I have already said that we will work with DPTAC on developing the guidance. The committee has a statutory role in advising Ministers about the needs of disabled transport users. Since most of its 18 members are disabled, this enables them to speak authoritatively for the needs of people with a range of impairments and access needs. However, I also recognise that it is important to understand the everyday experiences of disabled people and the perspectives of the organisations that represent them. That is why we will seek to hear a broader range of voices as we develop and draft the guidance.