Disabled Children Transition Bill voted down at stage 1
A bill aimed at improving the transition of disabled children into adulthood has been voted down after its stage 1 debate in the Scottish Parliament.
A member's bill introduced by Labour MSP Pan Duncan-Glancy, the Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill would have required councils to put plans in place for every disabled young person as they become an adult. Only Labour MSPs backed the proposal, which was defeated by 90 votes to 19.
The Education, Children & Young People Committee, which examined the bill in advance of the debate, said in its report that it was unable to support the general principles of the bill because of lack of clarity about how it would interact with other laws in this area, or how local authorities would identify eligible children, and concerns that it would further complicate an already complex and difficult legislative landscape.
Scottish Government minister Natalie Don agreed with the committee that the bill was "unlikely to be the most effective way to make the required improvements". The Government was preparing a strategy which it would "aim to publish... by the end of next year" – which Ms Duncan-Glancy responded was far too late for a commitment that had been made seven years ago.
Following the vote, Ms Duncan-Glancy commented: “I brought this legislation because young disabled people and their families have been let down for far too long – left stranded without the support they need, denied their dreams and aspirations and ultimately set up to fail.
“My bill was called ‘the biggest opportunity on disability rights since devolution’. The Government has missed the opportunity and denied their rights as a result."