Level Playing Field provide evidence for Culture, Media & Sport Accessibility of Sports Grounds inqu

Last updated : 27 May 2016 By LPF

The Select Committee inquiry is examining the issue of accessibility at sports stadia, in relation to the full range of sports.

In giving evidence for LPF, Joyce Cook spoke about the need for better access saying that, ‘no one expects this to happen overnight, but it has taken 20 years’ and that ‘clubs need to at least meet their own minimum standards' as well as 'increase their disability and access awareness'. Adding ‘…..the majority of (non-disabled) fans are so on our side’ and ‘if there is ever a moment in time to make this right, it’s now’.

Read more & watch the 24th May Select Committee session here

On 25th May, the Select Committee also heard further evidence from Justin Tomlinson MP, Minister for Disabled People and Nick Pontefract, Head of Sport at the Department for Culture, Media & Sport. 

Justin Tomlinson MP, Minister for Disabled People, when asked about disabled away fans having to sit amongst home fans said: ‘…it is totally unacceptable to put fans in the wrong section.’ He went on to say that it is 'not an overly onerous task' to improve access for disabled fans, including the 'training and awareness of staff' - something which he highlighted as a key issue in providing more accessible stadia. He added, ‘’it’s an absolute given that disabled fans should have that opportunity to enjoy sports.’ and went on to say ‘…..(it is) not an overly onerous task’ to improve access for disabled fans, including the ‘training and awareness of staff’ and added, ‘’…..it’s an absolute given that disabled fans should have that opportunity to enjoy sports.’

Government’s Head of Sport, Nick Pontefract noted that ‘disabled people are disproportionately not attending live sport' and that 'the obvious step is how we focus our attention on removing those barriers (to attending live sport).'

Read more & watch the 25 May session here

The Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee is also calling on sports fans to submit written evidence as part of the Accessible Sports Stadia inquiryRead more and please do have your say here.