The Duchess of Edinburgh attends charity dinner
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh attended a special dinner event hosted by the National Autistic Society on Thursday 12 February, entitled ‘Inclusive Futures: Education, Employment, and Autism’. The event, which was held at Clapham Michelin-Starred restaurant Trinity, was attended by guests including business leaders and supporters of the charity. Guests heard first-hand about the challenges faced by young autistic people, alongside the charity’s vision to increase the number of autistic people in employment through family support, inclusive education and more autism-friendly accredited employers. The Duchess of Edinburgh, who has been Royal Patron of the National Autistic Society since 2003, spent time talking to keynote speaker Grace Liu. Grace is autistic and spoke at length about the barriers she had to overcome at school and at the start of her career, describing years of misunderstanding and the inconsistent support she experienced in previous jobs. She also highlighted how the right adjustments have enabled her to thrive, culminating in her success as an artist, published author and valued member of staff at the National Autistic Society. Grace called for better support in schools and for employers to recognise the strengths that autistic people can bring to the workplace. According to data from the National Autistic Society, only 26% of autistic pupils feel happy at school, and only 30% of autistic people are in any type of employment. Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, Caroline Stevens, discussed the charity’s plans to work with education providers, the autistic community and employers to enable smoother transitions and strengthen pathways into meaningful employment for autistic young people. Adam Byatt, chef and owner of Trinity, is a keen supporter of the National Autistic Society. His 17-year-old daughter Rosie, who is autistic, works in Trinity’s kitchen after Adam made arrangements to support her success in the working environment, while also allowing her to be her own person and express herself creatively. Rosie designed the canapés presented to the guests and acted as a server on the night. Adam, who is also Chairman of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, was named Imbibe’s Restaurant Personality of The Year in 2017 as a result of his influence on London’s dining scene and his commitment to sharing knowledge with the future generations of young chefs. Adam said: “If our lived experience has taught us anything, it’s that young autistic people have the ability to become their own success stories. But they need vital support, guidance, understanding, and kindness to succeed. Cooking has always been a place of comfort for Rosie and an opportunity for her to express her creativity, so it was natural for her to begin her career with us in the kitchen at Trinity. Watching her in the kitchen, being part of a team and doing something so special every day gives us a great sense of pride. “The National Autistic Society is a remarkable organisation which opens doors for autistic people, and we were very proud to support the charity with this very special dinner.” Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive at the National Autistic Society, said: “We were delighted that Her Royal Highness was able to join us for the evening. It was a wonderful opportunity to shed light on the challenges, and advantages, that autistic young people are currently facing. “On behalf of the charity, I’d like to thank Adam and the rest of the team at Trinity for hosting us and for all of their hard work behind the scenes which ensured that everyone had a fantastic night.” For more information about the National Autistic Society, visit the website at www.autism.org.uk
Star Wars Superfan ‘feels the Force’ with Stiltz Homelift
Paul Couldrey, 54, is a man of many talents. Based in Brierley Hill, in the West Midlands, he’s fiercely smart and legally qualified. He’s created a consultancy specialising in the complex world of GDPR and data protection management, working predominantly with GP surgeries. His expertise means he’s much sought after and is invited to speak at conferences around the world.. However, like many great movie characters, there’s more to Paul than his day job because once the working day is over, he becomes Paul – the Star Wars Superfan. Downstairs is home to a unique collection of all things Star Wars. There’s signed memorabilia, merchandise, posters, costumes and props. He also shares his life with full-size replicas made by the actual designers from the film franchise. But there’s more because Paul has hidden talents. Armed with 3D printers, he’s a master of creating models, costume parts and even mock weapons for equally enthusiastic sci-fi-buff family and friends. “I have a resin printer in the office, which I use for making models, and in the garage I keep a filament printer for making things like guns, helmets and armour. I’m always creating something like that.” So, how did Paul come to need the help of a Stiltz Homelift? Born with muscular dystrophy, he was managing to walk and had been using a stairlift to access upstairs. Over time, his mobility did decline, but it was a particularly nasty fall that changed everything. Paul recounts the event, “I was upstairs in the office and got off my chair too quickly. I fell and I ended up with my ankle behind my shoulder.” Unsurprisingly, this resulted in a complex spiral fracture leading to hospital admission and several months of bed rest. “Being in bed for so long and with dystrophy, my muscles deteriorated, and I lost the ability to walk. Luckily, I already had an electric wheelchair, but there was no way I could transfer myself to the stairlift, so I was stuck downstairs.” Sadly, it was during this time that Paul’s son, Ethan, passed away aged just 24. He was also a wheelchair user, and the two shared an incredibly strong bond and a love for Star Wars. Understandably, Paul struggled to cope with the loss of Ethan. “I wasn’t looking after myself. I wasn’t sleeping or eating, and I had no strength to transfer myself from my wheelchair to the stairlift, so I was stuck downstairs.” Then, by chance, Paul saw a Stiltz Homelift featured on an episode of Grand Designs. “I saw a small lift and liked it; not heavy and clunky. I Googled it and realised there was one large and powerful enough to accommodate my chair.” Paul got in touch to arrange a free home consultation. “It was all really simple,” he says, “A guy from Stiltz came to do an assessment. He was great, not at all pushy, not one of those people you need to kick out after hours of trying to sell you something! He measured up, gave me the price and went through what the fitting would involve.” A full site survey followed, and a few weeks later, the installation of his Trio+ began. The first stage was the pre-enablement works, which meant cutting an aperture into the ceiling for the lift to take Paul from his living room to the office. The Stiltz build team handled it all. Paul recounts how it all went, “Nothing was too much trouble for them. The guys were great local lads; they even took photos of upstairs so that I could see progress. When they finished, two other guys came the next day to fit the lift. When they arrived, I said there was no way they’d fit it in a day – but they did. I was amazed. That was 18 months ago, and it’s been fabulous.” Having the Stiltz Trio+ has transformed life for Paul and his partner Sam, both physically and mentally. “It was such a boost for my family,” says Paul. “Being able to work in my office again was the best birthday present. And sleeping in my own bed felt incredible.” Life has opened back up for Paul. “I can move around the house now. It takes me just 40 seconds instead of 4 minutes to go between floors. If I want a break from work, I can nip to the garage, spend some time on my models and be back at my desk in no time. It’s now part of our world, but you don’t see it. When people come over, they don’t notice it as I tend to park it upstairs. Having said that, my son’s friends have offered to vinyl wrap it so it’s blue like Dr Who’s Tardis!” He adds jokingly, “If I ever customise it, then I’m adding smoke and getting it to play the Star Wars Imperial march tune as it descends!” As our visit to Paul’s world draws to a close, it’s clear that he has a new vigour for life and tells us about the wonderful way he’s chosen to create a lasting legacy for his son, which he hopes will help others. Ethan’s middle name was ‘Obi-Wan’ after the Jedi character Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Paul would always call him by this name. So, whenever his son had challenges, he’d say, ‘It’s Obi and Dad against the world,’ and it inspired Ethan to start writing stories. Paul has now made these available to purchase online. This, in turn, inspired Paul to turn to penning books for children. He writes about being different, saying, “Everyone can feel like an impostor at times, I know I do. We worry the way we look doesn’t conform, and I wanted to talk about not being embarrassed because we all feel this way at times – even adults. It’s just life lessons and what I taught Ethan as a Dad.” As well as writing about overcoming issues and adversity, Paul is living proof it’s possible to achieve it,
Percussion Play Highlights the Power of Music for ASD
To mark World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April 2026), Percussion Play, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor musical instruments, is highlighting its outdoor musical instrument, the Duo, and the benefits it brings to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Duo encourages social interaction in a comfortable and pressure-free manner and allows players to engage with one another without the need for direct eye contact or close physical proximity, creating communication in a safe and inclusive environment. As a result, the Duo is a popular choice for music therapy projects aimed at supporting people with ASD. ASD impacts social, verbal, and cognitive development, often making communication challenging. Percussion Play’s White Paper on The Benefits of Music for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, highlights that music engages both hemispheres of the brain, making it a powerful tool for therapeutic interventions. Studies have linked musical play and therapy to enhanced cognitive function, language development, and improved social interactions. Music therapy, in particular, has been shown to help individuals with ASD engage more positively with those around them. Engaging with music, whether through listening, playing an instrument, or participating in rhythmic activities, can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, focus, and sensory integration. Research shows that rhythm-based music therapies can strengthen attention, encourage social engagement, support speech and language development, and promote emotional self-regulation. For children with ASD, who may experience challenges with social interaction, music offers a natural pathway to connection. Introducing a musical instrument into their environment creates a safe, non-threatening way to explore sound and rhythm, gradually building confidence and comfort. As children develop a connection with the instrument, they often become more open to shared musical experiences, creating meaningful interaction and social communication. Percussion Play now offers more than 75 outdoor musical instruments and sound sculptures, reaffirming its position as the leading creator of inclusive, accessible music‑making experiences. Earlier this year, the company expanded its portfolio with a new range designed to inspire vibrant community spaces. Adding to the world’s largest collection of outdoor instruments, the lineup introduces four imaginative, nature‑inspired designs – the Butterfly, Ladybug, Toadstool, and Sylvan Bell Trees – along with new additions to the popular Street Drum Collection, including the Street Congas Duo and Trio. Developed in response to customer and community insights, these innovative instruments reflect Percussion Play’s mission to make outdoor music‑making joyful for all, combining creative design with exceptional durability and outstanding sound quality. You can read more research on the benefits of outdoor music-making for people with ASD here.
IMPOWER and the Council for Disabled Children, new partnership
IMPOWER and the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) have today announced a new partnership offering insight and practical support to local SEND systems at a critical point in SEND system reform. The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people and for their families. By combining complementary expertise, IMPOWER and CDC will support local systems to translate national policy ambition into practical, child-centred change. CDC is both a trusted national voice on SEND, with deep expertise in policy, children’s rights and co-production, and an award-winning partner working with local SEND teams to drive improvements in support for children and families. IMPOWER brings extensive experience supporting local authorities and public services to design and deliver sustainable, outcomes-focused change across SEND and wider public services. IMPOWER and CDC have worked together for many years, including as part of a consortium delivering the Department for Education’s SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme – Reaching Excellence and Ambition for all Children (REACH). IMPOWER are also partnered with CDC to deliver the What Works in SEND awards in April. Through this new partnership, IMPOWER and CDC will work together to offer comprehensive delivery support to areas, bringing in other specialist support organisations to create bespoke improvement input. The partnership will support local systems to navigate change – setting and delivering an inclusive ambition. This includes responding to potential change brought about by the Schools White Paper and further expected policy and financial announcements, helping to translate these policy ambitions into co-produced, practical, child-centred improvements – strengthening inclusion, improving experiences for families, and ensuring services are sustainable for the future. As part of this work, IMPOWER and CDC anticipate convening shared learning activity to help all systems prepare and drive change in this next phase of SEND reform. Sean Hanson, Chief Executive of IMPOWER, said: “SEND reform only works if national ambition is matched by practical support for local systems to deliver change on the ground. Through this partnership, we can support local systems to take what works, apply it locally, and deliver change that is practical, inclusive and sustainable.” Amanda Allard, Strategic Director, Council for Disabled Children, said: “At the heart of SEND reform must be the voices and experiences of children, young people and their families. For it to succeed, it must reflect what they tell us matters most. This work will support local areas to apply learning and evidence in ways that help create more inclusive services and better outcomes.”
Reclaiming My Voice: My Journey with FND
Imagine waking up and suddenly realising you can no longer move or speak. That became my reality at age 13. I was a happy, healthy teenager until Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) – a condition where the brain’s “software” crashes even though the “hardware” is intact – stripped away my independence.My brain and body completely shut down on me. For six months my mind went blank and I didn’t know who or what anything was. I don’t remember the early days of my illness and life before it is a blur. I became suddenly and severely disabled having all my abilities taken away from me. I was rushed to hospital for testing and came out four months later with a diagnosis of FND. For three years, I was completely bed bound, and for five years, I was unable to walk. I lost my ability to communicate for a year. I felt trapped inside my own body. I was stuck in a hospital bed, unable to sit in a wheelchair without agony. The local wheelchair services even told me no equipment was suitable for my needs. It was a terrifying, isolating experience, made worse by a lack of understanding from some medical professionals. Recovery has not been a straight line, but it is happening. Today, I have finally reclaimed my voice. I am learning to walk again, transitioning from being bedridden to standing independently and walking with support. I’ve been fighting FND since I was 13 and I’m now 23. Most of my days are now spent reclaiming the life FND once took from me. Achieving my dream of visiting London was a massive turning point in my rehabilitation. I have now visited the capital many times and I also achieved a long held wish of mine when I met the cast of the ITV show Loose Women. I’ve met 15 panelist’s altogether. Another goal I’ve now achieved is visiting 100 towns and cities across the UK. It feels wonderful to travel again after being housebound due to FND. My next wish is to visit Cyprus as I have Cypriot heritage. I’m busy raising awareness about FND. I’m no longer trapped; I’m finally moving forward. These moments remind me that while FND took my mobility, it could never take my determination.I don’t know if I’ll ever fully recover from FND but I’m now learning to live with my new normal. I’m adjusting to life post severe FND. I share my story now to raise awareness. FND is a very real, debilitating illness that is often misunderstood because it’s “invisible” on standard scans. I want anyone else struggling with this condition to know they are not alone. Even when everything feels lost, you can find a way forward. I lost my voice and my freedom at 13, but ten years later, I have gained a resilience I never knew I had. I’m no longer letting FND define what I can achieve – I’m living life on my own terms. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder
Clever support dog, Cassie
Paul Jacob’s world was turned upside down when he was involved in a motorcycle crash aged just 21, then he met support dog, Cassie. He had been an apprentice plumber with a promising future. But the collision left him with a spinal injury and he spent four months at Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s National Spinal Injury Centre before he was allowed home. Now a wheelchair user, it took time and courage to rebuild his life. “To go from being fairly active to being in a wheelchair, was quite the change,” says Paul now a 42-year-old dad-of-two. But his love of dogs has helped him to face the world again and banish isolation. Paul and his two-year-old black Labrador, Cassie, recently graduated as a successful Support Dogs partnership. Yorkshire-based national charity Support Dogs trained Cassie to be a disability assistance dog – giving Paul lots more independence and freedom to enjoy family life. “I struggle sitting in a chair trying to reach the ground and don’t have the use of my stomach muscles, so balance for me is quite difficult,” said Paul, from Wantage in Oxfordshire. “Cassie has been trained to pick everything up off the floor. “I’ve got two young kids, so there are often lots of clothes and toys – as soon as you turn your back, it’s all on the floor again. “Cassie will pick up my shoes, her toys and she can even take clothes to the washing machine and help load the washing machine. She can also pull my socks and jacket off.” The wonderdog has also been trained to close doors behind Paul, as well as push access buttons when out and about. Paul retrained as a design engineer with his employer, Warburton Building Services, just eight months after his accident, a job he still holds. He described how Cassie helps him both practically and mentally. “When you go from able-bodied to disabled, going outside on your own can be quite scary at first, not knowing if you’re going to get into a situation such as falling out of your wheelchair,” said Paul, who is dad to seven-year-old Oliver and Benjamin, nine. “It becomes quite anxious, but to have a dog with you relieves that anxiety of being on your own. “Life would be a lot more difficult without Cassie, physically and probably emotionally. “It’s also about getting out and seeing people, and seeing Cassie in her Support Dogs jacket facilitates people asking how she helps me. “Having Cassie trained also means she can come into shops with me.” Paul, who is married to Ida, a 41-year-old midwife, praised the work of Cassie the Support Dog, and support dogs in general, who also train and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children and adults with epilepsy to live safer, more independent lives. “I think it’s amazing what the staff can teach a dog in such a short amount of time and how that affects people’s lives,” said Paul. “It’s helped me so much – I can only imagine what it has done for others.” Support Dogs provides all its services free of charge and relies on voluntary donations. To learn more or donate, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk
Motability Scheme Prices To Rise Following Political Attacks
Motability has been in the spotlight in recent months following a number of negative articles in the media. Some claimed the system was being abused while others suggested the scheme was costing taxpayers too much. Motability chiefs claimed the scheme was good value for money due to the way it stimulated car buying alongside enabling those with disabilities to travel to work and shop. However, the Government has moved to appease the dissenters with a number of changes that were laid out in the controversial Budget last November. Inevitably they are set to increase the costs to some customers. In a message to customers, Motability Scheme has now set out what the implications are for the people who rely on it. It said: “While there will be changes to how the Scheme operates, our commitment to disabled people remains steadfast. “We’re focused on keeping the Scheme as affordable as possible, continuing to support access to employment, education and everyday life, and working closely with Motability Operations to ensure the Scheme remains a cornerstone of independence for disabled people – just as it has been for nearly fifty years.” A more sustainable scheme The Scheme has been impacted by many external influences in recent years such as rising costs, fluctuating second hand car pricing and the large-scale introduction of EVs. The Government has confirmed that VAT will apply to Advance Payments and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to Scheme leases which will take effect from July 2026. These tax changes will mean the Scheme will become more expensive for disabled people but will remain sustainable with a choice of affordable vehicles. Evolution Premium brand vehicles have been removed from the Scheme. The Scheme will focus on vehicles that meet disabled peoples’ needs and represent value and purpose, while still harnessing competition between manufacturers to get good value. We recognise that any increase in the cost of a lease could have a significant effect on disabled people’s independence and daily life. To minimise price increases for customers taking out a new lease, the Scheme is considering a range of other changes across the leasing package including mileage, overseas breakdown cover, increased use of telematics for insurance purposes and other services. Details will be confirmed only when the impact to disabled people has been fully assessed. The tax changes will increase the cost of a lease on the Scheme and we anticipate the average Advance Payment (upfront cost) of a vehicle will increase by around £400 over the three-year package. We will continue to provide a range of around 40 to 50 vehicles available to lease with no upfront payment. Changes to the Scheme’s package are expected to be introduced from July 2026. Motability Operations, which runs the Scheme, will begin engaging with customers about the proposed changes in spring 2026. Proposed changes to the leasing package will undergo disability impact assessment by the Motability Foundation, which oversees the Scheme, before any changes are approved, announced and implemented. As the Scheme evolves and we fully understand the impacts changes may have on disabled people, the Foundation will also need to consider how its grant programmes best support those most in need. To more strongly combat the issue of misuse, the Motability Scheme is creating a new Special Investigations Unit. While the overall rate of misuse has remained stable, and the vast majority of customers use their vehicles in the way they are intended, the growth in customer numbers means more cases are being investigated. There are now around 80 people who are dedicated to tackling misuse of Scheme vehicles who join the newly formed Unit. Motability Operations also plans to strengthen data-sharing arrangements with government and police agencies to enable quicker, more effective action where misuse is identified. Commitment to disabled people While some change is necessary to ensure future longevity, the Motability Scheme remains committed to our core purpose – providing mobility to disabled people, many of whom have no choice but to use private transport because of inaccessible public transport and infrastructure across the UK. The Motability Scheme commits to: • No changes for customers in current leases. Changes to the Scheme would relate to new leases. • Continuing to provide a range of around 40 to 50 vehicles available to lease with no Advance Payment • Motability Foundation and Motability Operations will continue to subsidise and provide grant funding for the ongoing provision of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, while also funding adaptations to support over 82,000 customers with essential mobility solutions. • Motability Foundation will continue to provide grants to support people with the most profound needs to access the Scheme, having awarded £59.3 million in 2024/25 to help over 10,000 customers benefit from essential mobility solutions. Nigel Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Motability Foundation, said: “We understand the challenges disabled people face in accessing reliable and accessible transport, and how important a Motability car is to Scheme customers. “The changes to tax reliefs imposed on the Scheme in today’s Budget statement mean the Scheme will need to evolve. “We are working hard to minimise price increases for customers and are taking steps to assess the impact of potential changes to the leasing package. “Our focus remains firmly on protecting the Scheme for those who need it most.” Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, said: “An evolved Motability Scheme will continue to put the disabled people we serve at the heart of everything we do. “Changes to evolve the Scheme will involve understanding what matters most to disabled people, working closely with Motability Foundation.” https://www.motability.co.uk
Government to modernise laws on powered mobility devices
Laws around powered mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, could be modernised, as the Department for Transport launches a 12-week consultation today (6 January 2026). The government is inviting users, accessibility organisations, industry and the public to share views on how outdated rules should evolve to reflect modern technology and improve safety. Current legislation, which dates back nearly 40 years, does not reflect the technological advances that have transformed these devices. For example, some modern wheelchairs used by adults and children exceed the current maximum legal weight limit, meaning they can only legally be used on private land. The consultation seeks views on how regulations should evolve to better support people who rely on powered mobility devices, while ensuring safety for everyone that uses our roads and pavements. Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses said: “Powered mobility devices give people independence and freedom, and the law should enable their safe use. “This consultation is a chance for users and organisations to help us modernise these outdated rules and ensure they meet today’s needs.” Throughout this consultation, powered mobility device users, accessibility organisations, industry and other members of the public will be able to make their views heard on a variety of areas critical for updating these laws. These include: Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said: “We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and improving access to assistive technology, as well as making sure that the laws around its use are up to date, is essential to this.” “I encourage disabled people to respond to the Department for Transport’s consultation so their views and voices are used to shape this policy.” Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to see the Department for Transport consulting on modernising laws on “powered mobility devices”. Over 10 million people in the UK have mobility-related impairments and existing laws create confusion, restrict market innovation and limit Disabled people’s freedom to travel. “New high-quality regulations that meet Disabled people’s needs will enable millions more Disabled people to legally use a growing range of existing and innovative safe, convenient, cost-effective, low-carbon mobility devices to move around our communities. “This has the potential to improve the independence, physical and mental health, employment, educational and social options of Disabled individuals and our families across the UK.” Nick Goldup, CEO, Wheelchair Alliance CIC, said: “The Wheelchair Alliance wholeheartedly welcomes this government review of powered wheelchair legislation. For too long, wheelchair users have been sidelined by outdated legislation and offensive terminology. Many individuals using wheelchairs over 150kg have been left feeling anxious and worried about breaking the law. “Having worked closely with Simon Lightwood MP for over a year, we are beyond proud that our campaigning has secured this commitment to change. We will continue to amplify the voices of our community to ensure this review delivers a fairer, more inclusive future for all.” The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 31 March 2026 and a government response will be published soon after. max.kelly@dft.gov.uk
Keep pavements clear for those who rely on them most
Disabled people will benefit from new local powers being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions across their area, helping keep them clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, while allowing exemptions where needed. Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, and older people, limiting independence and making everyday journeys harder and less safe. Following a public consultation, the Department for Transport has confirmed that local leaders will be given new and improved legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach, where action is often limited to individual streets and requires lengthy, complex processes. Local leaders know their streets best and are best placed to respond to local needs. Under the new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, and they will retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable. Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person. “That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.” Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive Andrew Lennox said: “After years of campaigning, we welcome the announcement to give councils greater powers to tackle problem pavement parking. “Cars blocking pavements are a nuisance for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with sight loss, who can be forced into the road with traffic they can’t see. Pavement parking is also a barrier that shuts people out of everyday life. When pavements are blocked, people with sight loss lose confidence, independence and the freedom to travel safely. This stops people from accessing work, education and social opportunities. “We look forward to working with the Government and local authorities to ensure these changes are introduced quickly and consistently enforced so pavement parking becomes a thing of the past.” RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Our research shows a clear majority of drivers agree that no pavement user should be made to walk or wheel into the road because of someone else’s inconsiderate parking. “These proposals should clear the way for councils to prevent pavement parking where it causes problems, but permit drivers to partially park on pavements where doing so helps keep traffic flowing and doesn’t inconvenience other people.” Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: “Clear pavements matter. For parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and people who are blind or partially sighted, a blocked pavement is not a minor inconvenience – it can stop a journey altogether and is a risk to people’s safety. “Most drivers want to park safely and considerately, and these new powers help in areas where dangerous parking causes real problems. “Giving decisions to local leaders means solutions that reflect how our streets actually work. It’s a practical step that helps people move around safely, confidently and independently in their own communities.” The Department will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers in a proportionate and locally appropriate way later in 2026. By putting decision-making closer to communities, the approach supports safer, more inclusive streets that work better for everyone. This forms part of the Government’s Plan for Change, making transport more accessible and inclusive, and supporting growth by ensuring our streets and public spaces work for all. georgia.brown@dft.gov.uk