Oral Answers to Questions

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Monday 21st May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Newton]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that we should be as ambitious for disabled people as we are for anyone else, and that includes enabling them to set up their own business. He raises a particularly important scheme, but there have been other innovations through the employment allowance and the support that is available through Access to Work. Indeed, Microsoft has just launched a fantastic new fund of £25 million to help with assistive technology and people setting up businesses.

[Ian C. Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

What assessment has the Department made of the impact of the abolition of the independent living fund on disabled young people?

[Sarah Newton]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, responsibility for the independent living fund was given to local authorities, which are very well placed to join up services in their communities to the benefit of all disabled people, including young disabled people.