The Bill would impose certain duties on certain persons and bodies in respect of disabled persons; confer certain rights on disabled persons for independent living; amend the Mental Health Act 1983; and amend the Care Standards Act 2000.

Lord Ashley of Stoke (Lab) introduced the Bill at second reading.  He spoke about the importance of providing disabled people with decent homes and “real choice”.  He commented on the Bill’s commitment to promote independent living for the disabled through the work of local authorities, NHS bodies and other key partners.

Ashley conceded that cost is a crucial issue for the government but said that he hoped to convince the government of the “huge economic benefits of radically transforming the system”.

Baroness Masham of Ilton (CB) spoke in support of the Bill, focusing on the unsatisfactory nature of palliative care services, nursing care and the provision of specialist appliances.

Other contributions included the following:

Baroness Campbell of Surbiton (CB) on the need for “legislative infrastructure” to allow disabled people to participate in society as equal citizens;

Lord Addington (Lib Dem) on the Bill’s power to remove unnecessary bureaucracy;

Lord McColl of Dulwich (Con) on the Conservatives’ commitment to the introduction of individual budgets and social care service commissioning.

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Lab) responded on behalf of the government.  She confirmed that the government position has not changed over the last few months:  whilst supporting the underlying principles of the Bill, the government does not believe that a legislative solution is necessary or desirable.

Royall spoke about the importance of involving disabled people in the design of policy and the commissioning of services.  She spoke about the government’s independent living review, which is due to report next month and set out a five-strategy for disabled people. Commenting on this, Royall said:

“The strategy will clearly outline how the Government will achieve their policy commitments, identifying what difference those policies are intended to make, and how they will be measured and monitored. The new strategy for independent living will help deliver better joined-up delivery across government, and will promote a greater understanding of the principles of independent living.”

House of Lords

First reading: November 7 2007 [HL Bill 4]

Second reading: December 14 2007

Committee of the Whole House:

• 1st day: February 4 2008 (order of commitment discharged)

Third reading: February 25 2008

House of Commons

First reading: March 4 2008

Second reading: May 16 2008