Disabled people given a voice at mayoral hustings

London’s disabled community had the opportunity to speak to mayoral candidates Boris Johnson, Ken Livingstone, Brian Paddick and Jenny Jones at a hustings organised by four major disability charities.

Leonard Cheshire Disability, Mencap, RNIB and MS Society organised the event after disabled campaigners contacted them wanting the opportunity to speak to the candidates and hear what they had to say on disability issues.

Over 100 people attended and many had the opportunity to ask the mayoral candidates questions. Major issues were discussed including social care, improving accessibility on tubes and buses, improving road safety and increasing social integration and job opportunities in the capital.

Guy Parckar, head of policy and campaigns at Leonard Cheshire Disability said: "The actions and policies of the next Mayor, from transport and health to housing and social care, will impact on the everyday lives of the 1.4 million disabled people living in the capital. These hustings provided disabled people in London with the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to them.

"Whilst it is not part of the Mayor’s direct responsibilities, issues like the postcode lottery in care services across different London boroughs should be on the Mayor’s radar. Disabled people are already twice as likely to live in poverty as non-disabled people, and so tackling disability poverty, and making sure that there is enough accessible and affordable social housing in London should be at the top of the new Mayor’s agenda."

Leonard Cheshire Disability will ensure that questions not raised on the day will also be sent to the four mayoral candidates. If there are any issues you would like to raise, you can contact the Leonard Cheshire Disability campaigns team before Friday 20 April on 0203 242 0410 or email campaigning@lcdisability.org.

Photo: Disabled people in London question mayoral candidates