Issue - meetings

To consider a presentation of the Greater Manchester Mayor Disabled People's Panel (GMMDPP) Outreach and Development Lead, Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People.

A representative of the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) attended the meeting to provide a presentation on the work of the GMCDP.

The following comments were made/ issues were raised:-

·         The GMCDP reported that the key issue related to accessibility was train stations as it was often hard to locate the responsible party for train station access and a lack of central government funding had curtailed work to create better access at train stations.

·         Following the COVID pandemic, outdoor furniture from cafes and similar establishments had blocked pavements, making access difficult for disabled people. Greater Manchester Local Authorities did not always have a dedicated access officer to resolve such issues.

·         Progress was expected in the coming year on the Bee Network and cycle paths along with other areas with barriers to access, however this had been slow.

·         Members of the Forum enquired as to whether the GMCDP carried out any work to do with. In response, the Forum was advised that The GMCDP was engaged in work related to off-road access such as footpaths and bridleways and an outcome was expected in the near future.

·         Members of the Forum enquired as to whether the GMCDP acted as statutory consultee for government and local organisations such as TfGM. In response, the Forum was advised that, whilst the GMCDP was not a statutory consultee, it was usually consulted on issues of access for disabled people. The Coalition was of the view, however, that in some circumstances, its involvement amounted to a ‘box-ticking’ exercise which didn’t necessarily represent meaningful consultation.

·         Members of the Forum thanked the representative of the GMCDP for their presentation and commented that it was important to bear in mind issues related accessibility for disabled people.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.

To consider a presentation of the Greater Manchester Mayor Disabled People's Panel (GMMDPP) Outreach and Development Lead, Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Forum.