Shopping needs of disabled neglected in crisis, MPS warn

THE pandemic has had “profoundly adverse effects” on disabled people’s access to food, MPS have said.

The Government’s focus on those who were “clinically extremely vulnerable” led to unintended consequences for those outside that protected group, a report has warned.

The women and equalities committee claimed that by pursuing the model, ministers “set one group of people with clinical needs against others with social barriers to food shopping”.

The Unequal Impact report found that disabled people faced “increased barriers” to shopping because of difficulties around complying with social distancing measures and dealing with changes to the layouts of stores.

It also found that those with disabilities suffered from disproportionate deaths and “potentially discriminatory practices” in health and social care services.

While the 2.2 million in the “clinically extremely vulnerable” category went on to receive food parcels to ensure they could shield, MPS heard evidence that many outside of this group “desperately needed” help to access provisions.

MPS also claimed that the Government had been “too slow” to bring in British sign language interpreters for the deaf during televised briefings.

Caroline Nokes, the committee’s chairman, said: “Disabled people who already faced substantial barriers to equal participation in society have suffered a range of profoundly adverse effects.

“Our inquiry heard extensive evidence from disabled people of the profoundly unequal adverse effects. Our report makes the case for an independent inquiry into the causes.”