A newly established All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is calling for evidence to explore the challenges faced by disabled individuals in obtaining essential medical equipment. Launched today, the inquiry is open for four weeks and seeks input from healthcare professionals, suppliers, disabled people, and their families to better understand the issues surrounding delays and accessibility.
Formed in May 2025, the APPG on Access to Disability Equipment aims to shape future policy that ensures timely and fair provision. It provides a platform for parliamentarians to collaborate with those directly affected, including carers, charities, and manufacturers. The focus is on how improved access to specialist equipment can enhance quality of life, independence, and overall wellbeing.
Many families report delays in receiving equipment due to workforce shortages, inconsistent local provision, and fragmented funding systems. These obstacles are compounded by under-resourced services and lack of coordinated planning, leaving individuals waiting for life-changing items that support daily living.
Stephen Morgan of children’s disability charity Newlife said recent budget cuts have made access harder, with only 40% of families receiving all the equipment they need. APPG Chair Daniel Francis MP stressed the need for a system that works swiftly and fairly, adding that the inquiry is a vital step towards understanding – and fixing – the barriers so many people currently face.
