Disabled people get a voice in housing decisions

#000000;"> Disabled people from all over Leeds made their voices heard at Leeds Tenants Federation’s Question Time event on 21 June 2005.

#000000;">Over 170 people attended Tenants Question Time at Elland Rd Conference Centre for the opportunity to quiz housing and social care chiefs.

#000000;">Michael Hall, chair of Leeds Tenants Federation said “We are delighted that so many disabled people and their carers took this unique opportunity to have a voice in decision-making.

#000000;">“They had some tough and probing questions for the panel about the big issues for people with disabilities. Leeds Tenants Federation’s Question Time helped them make sure their views were heard.”

#000000;">The top panel of decision-makers was chaired by Baroness Nicky Chapman, head of Leeds Centre for Independent Living and the first person with a congenital disability to be appointed to the House of Lords.

#000000;">Questions about adaptations, access to housing and support services for people with disabilities were answered by a top panel including: Liz Ward, Disability Service Manager for Social Services, Robert Wood, Adaptations Manager for Neighbourhoods & Housing, Jane Barker, Chief Executive of Methodist Homes Housing Association, Cllr Brenda Lancaster, Chair of Scrutiny for Health and Well-Being and Robin Lawler, Chief Officer of Leeds West Homes.

#000000;">Disability charities were on hand to give advice and there were information stalls from contractors and housing providers.

#000000;">Leeds Tenants Federation will be working with Leeds Housing Partnership to ensure that the points raised by disabled people during the Question Time event are fed into the housing strategy and service plans.