Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce waiting times for people waiting to be matched with a guide dog.

The UK government recognises the invaluable role guide dogs play in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with visual and hearing loss.

Assistance dogs are not funded or provided by the government. Direct provision of guide dogs is primarily handled by charitable organisations. Organisations like Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), an umbrella coalition for well established dog training organisations, offer information and advice on how to apply for an assistance dog.

We are aware of issues around shortages of assistance dogs since the pandemic and there has been dialogue with assistance dogs' charities. Guide Dogs UK have assured us that they are on course to return to pre-pandemic supply levels soon and are working hard to reduce waiting times.