Decision details

Purpose of Report: To produce a clear policy statement as what the Social Model of Disability means in terms of the how the council will communicate, engage and deliver services to residents. This report will also contain an update on the work of the York Access Forum (YAF) and the move to appoint an independent Chair to take the work of YAF forward.

This will provide an update following the following elements of the Council Motion approved by full Council on October 20th 2022, at which the following was resolved:

·       To adopt the Social Model of Disability and embed it into every area of its working, operation, policy and practice, including in how it communicates;

·       To review the extent to which disability awareness training, inclusive and universal design training and disability equality is embedded across the organisation in how the council delivers services, making recommendations as appropriate;

·       To commit to genuine co-production on all council developments, where disabled people’s views are incorporated alongside those of appropriate professionals when considering inclusion and accessibility;

·       Upon the appointment of an Access Officer, to convene a quarterly Access Forum, resourced so that it will work in an entirely inclusive and accessible way, supporting a genuine commitment to co-production.”

The Executive Member will be asked: To approve the policy statement on implementing the Social Model of Disability at CYC, note the YAF update and the next steps in appointing an independent Chair of YAF.

The date for this item was changed to the decision session scheduled for 29 January because after early conversations with members of the Disabled Community it has been decided to delay this report to enable further consultation ahead of publication; This has since been amended to 24 January for administrative reasons due to change in date of the decision session.

Resolved: That;

1.  The the policy statement on implementing the Social Model of Disability at City of York Council be approved.

2.  A commitment be made to the council providing elected Members and officers with appropriate Disability Equality Training.

3. The York Access Forum update, Terms of Reference, and the next steps in appointing a new forum Chair be noted.

Reason:     To ensure CYC officers and decision makers are working to a clear policy statement as to what the Social Model of Disability means.