SW News: A rights watchdog has accused the British government of making “slow progress” in improving the lives of the physically challenged people. It is the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which said that some recommendations made by a UN probe way back in 2016 had not been implemented.

The EHRC warned in a new report submitted to the UN that many physically challenged people in Britain continue to face discrimination and it is worsening in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis. The watchdog is also assessing the extent to which the earlier UN recommendations were implemented in its report.

It said that in spite of limited progress in certain areas, “We are disappointed to see no progress against some other recommendations. While commitments to address some issues have been made, actions have been delayed or don't go far enough.”

EHRC’s report discovered a lack of progress in examining the impact of welfare measures for disabled people. Lacunae in meaningful engagement between governments and physically challenged people were also found in parts of the United Kingdom. The report said there was a disproportionate number of disabled people subsisting on low incomes and some of them are waiting for long when it comes to decisions on eligibility for benefits.

EHRC chairwoman Kishwer Falkner exhorted the British and Welsh governments “to address the problems faced by disabled people and take action to address the UN’s recommendations from 2016.” She said that physically challenged people ought to be treated with dignity and fairness. “The recommendations made years ago must be addressed if the lives of disabled people are to improve."

According to a UK government spokesperson, reforms were being made in the health and disability benefits system and it was £2bn to provide succor to sick and disabled people.

"Last month we launched a consultation on our new Disability Action Plan, which is part of this government's commitment to creating a society that works for everyone," the spokesperson said.

"Significant work is already being taken forward including reforming the health and disability benefits system, boosting disability benefits by 10.1%, investing £2bn to support sick and disabled people back into work, and helping the most vulnerable with record financial support worth around £3,300 per household.

"We remain committed to making our society a more inclusive and accessible place for all disabled people."