ALLIANCE responds to Disability Commissioner Bill call for views
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 17th May 2024
We strongly welcome the principle behind the bill, whilst urging Parliament to carefully consider the wider commissioner landscape.
The ALLIANCE have submitted a response to the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee call for views on the Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill. We responded positively to the pre-legislative consultation on the Bill, supporting the principle behind it, and calling for such a commissioner to have the broadest possible powers of investigation and to have a duty to involve disabled people in their work. We are pleased to see that these priorities are reflected in the Bill as introduced to Parliament.
Whilst the ALLIANCE are strongly supportive of the principle behind this Bill, we are aware that there are ongoing discussions surrounding the number of proposed new commissioners in Scotland. Many of these proposals are rooted in patterns of service failure and breaches of people’s human rights. In 2023 the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s “At a Crossroads” report highlighted these and other contributions to the increasing number of proposed commissioners. It also outlined a range of possibilities, including an alternative “rapporteurship” model that we believe has significant merit and should be carefully considered.
At the time of this call for views, the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s inquiry into Scotland’s commissioner landscape is still ongoing. However, we would recommend that further progress on this and other commissioner-related Bills before the Scottish Parliament await the findings of that inquiry and take them into account.
You can read our full response via the resource links below.
End of page.
You may also like:
Could you help shape the future of Human Rights in Scotland? Apply to join the SNAP2 Leadership Panel
Continue readingThe UN ICESCR Committee has issued its recommendations and several reflect points made by the ALLIANCE and our members.
Continue readingCarers Scotland launches their State of Caring in Scotland 2024 research report.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE responds to the Equality, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee's inquiry into the the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Continue readingOur response calls for a human rights based approach to outcomes, and to consider how to strengthen the SHRC.
Continue readingA Scotland that Cares campaign calls on the Scottish Government to set a dedicated National Outcome on Care now.
Continue readingPublic Health Scotland have published a briefing on transport poverty and health inequalities.
Continue readingThe Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has published a report on the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcomes the proposed strategy, though a Human Rights Bill is necessary for full effect.
Continue readingObesity Action Scotland wants to stop unhealthy food sponsorship at Scottish sports events including the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Continue readingResidents of Leith’s famous Banana Flats (Cables Wynd House) have launched their human rights monitoring report.
Continue readingThe Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) report finds troubling failures in progress from institutionalisation to independent living.
Continue readingThe updated SPSO Principles demonstrate a positive shift towards putting people and their human rights at the centre of complaints handling.
Continue readingThe Mental Welfare Commission calls for urgent changes so people with learning disability and complex needs can leave hospital and flourish.
Continue readingMinister announces parts of the National Care Service Bill will be dropped due to a lack of compromise and support.
Continue readingAre you aged 55+, living in the UK, and interested in supporting new research?
Continue readingWe have submitted a parallel report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for its examination of rights in the UK.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcome the aims of widening access to palliative care, but actions must be underpinned by resources and accountability.
Continue readingAutistic Knowledge Development and National Autistic Society Scotland celebrate the success of the Embrace Autism programme.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE wants to hear from you if you have experienced barriers to accessing Self-Directed Support.
Continue readingThe First Minister has reiterated his commitment to the continuation of Contact Scotland BSL.
Continue readingThe Policy and Public Affairs programme influenced government policy in many areas over 2024.
Continue readingRaising awareness of key areas of women’s health, challenging myths and stigma through positive dialogue, and lived experience forums.
Continue readingWhilst the draft Covenant is a positive start, it is unclear how it's aims will be realised in practice.
Continue readingWho Cares? Scotland publishes their third Lifelong Rights Issue Paper on Belonging and Connections.
Continue reading