High Street shops, supermarkets, banks and restaurants across the West Midlands are losing tens of millions of pounds a year, as disabled people are unable to use them because of poor access to their premises.
A report from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) says that the spending power of the region’s 780,000 disabled is £30.9bn, yet 75% turn their back on businesses providing poor accessibility and customer service. The losses include £89mn for banks and building societies, £48mn for supermarkets and £26mn for other shops.
This is one of the problems the WMCA and a coalition of councils, disabled advocates and disabled organisations are pledging to attack to improve the lives of disabled people. They aim to ensure better access to homes, jobs, transport and shops.
The report is titled ‘Making the West Midlands an Exemplary Region for Disabled People’. It says that on every measure of wellbeing, people with disabilities in the West Midlands fall behind the regional and/or national averages for non-disabled people. This includes low pay and access to a car
Creating an exemplary region for disabled people
In response, WMCA and its partners are committing to making the region an ‘exemplary region’ for disabled people. They aim to be at the forefront of tackling the daily inequalities they face. It is the first mayoral combined authority to declare its intention to lead in supporting disabled people.
The report was co-produced by the WMCA’s seven constituent local authorities (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton), disability organisations, and disabled campaigners.
In a press release announcing the report, Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said that the West Midlands should “work for everyone”. Adding that they are “determined” to ensure that the 780,000 people in the region with a disability can do whatever they want to do and go wherever they want to go.
He continued: “This report sets out what that looks like – better access to good jobs, affordable and accessible homes, reliable and inclusive transport and the skills people need to thrive.”
As the report states:
“Living, working, or visiting an exemplary region for disabled people would feel very different. Disabled people would feel valued and empowered, they would be able to make journeys without having to plan every single aspect of the journey or worry if they will get the support they need, they will be able to live in an appropriate and suitable home in a community where they feel safe and can engage and connect with. Disabled people will feel secure in good employment, where appropriate and be able to contribute to society in a way that is appropriate for them.”
Recommendations for improving disabled people’s lives
The group’s recommendations include appointing a commissioner for disability rights, supported by a new task force. There should also be a disabled people’s voice network to hold the WMCA, other authorities, and employers to account for their actions. Businesses will be encouraged to sign a voluntary commitment on tackling disabled people’s pay.
The mayor said that becoming an ‘exemplary region’ for inclusion would not happen overnight but “I am determined to make this a reality for everyone in the region”.
The independent disability working group was chaired by broadcaster and disability rights advocate Dr Shani Dhanda, who said: “Disabled people face significant barriers that go beyond the experience of disability itself – they’re rooted in systems, attitudes, and infrastructure.
“This report is not just a reflection of these challenges but a call to action for systemic change and clearly defined opportunities for urgent action.”
WMCA has also appointed former Paralympian Dr Mark Fosbrook to champion disabled people.
Dr Fosbrook said: “This ambition is about fundamentally changing the way in which our leaders and decision makers think and act. It creates a platform for the voices of disabled people to be heard and then coproduce change together. It challenges thinking in a supportive way that focuses on where there is most need.”
