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Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill

Jeremy Balfour MSP has introduced this Member’s Bill. It will establish a Disability Commissioner for Scotland.

This is a Member's bill

The Bill was introduced on 8 February 2024 and is at Stage 1

Introduced: the Bill and its documents

Overview

Jeremy Balfour MSP has introduced this Member’s Bill. It will establish a Disability Commissioner for Scotland.

The Disability Commissioner will promote and safeguard the rights of disabled people.

The Commissioner will have various roles, including: 

  • promoting awareness and understanding of the rights of disabled people
  • reviewing law, policy and practice relating to the rights of disabled people

The Commissioner may also undertake research on matters relating to disabled people.

In addition, the Commissioner will have the power to undertake investigations into issues that relate to disabled people or a disabled person.

Why the Bill was created

Jeremy Balfour MSP believes that disabled people face many barriers in their day-to-day lives. A commissioner would be able to champion their rights and needs at a national level. 

A commissioner could also influence change and make a positive difference to the lives of disabled people in Scotland.

Bill as Introduced

Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill as introduced (1MB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Accompanying Documents

Explanatory Notes (230KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Policy Memorandum (364KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Financial Memorandum (202KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Statements on legislative competence (108KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Accompanying Documents (print versions)

Explanatory Notes (302KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Policy Memorandum (472KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Financial Memorandum (293KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Statements on legislative competence (159KB, pdf) posted 08 February 2024

Financial Resolution

The Presiding Officer has decided under Rule 9.12 of Standing Orders that a financial resolution is required for this Bill.

Research on the Bill

The Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (SPICe) prepares impartial research and analysis to assist MSPs in their examination of Bills and other parliamentary business.

Research briefing on Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill

The Bill was introduced on 8 February 2024

Stage 1: general principles

At Stage 1, the Bill is given to a lead committee. This is usually the committee whose remit most closely relates to the subject of the Bill. The lead committee will consider and report on the Bill. Other committees may also examine the Bill and report to the lead committee. Finally, there is a debate and vote by all MSPs on the general principles of the Bill. If the general principles are not agreed to, then the Bill ‘falls’ and can’t become law.

Timetable for Stage 1

The lead committee agreed the following programme of evidence sessions with witnesses.

4 June 2024

  • Dr Arun Chopra, Executive Director (Medical), Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
  • Stephanie Griffin, Scotland Policy Manager, Equality and Human Rights Commission
  • Nick Hobbs, Head of Advice and Investigations, Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland
  • Jan Savage, Executive Director, Scottish Human Rights Commission

11 June 2024

Panel 1

  • Lyn Pornaro, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Equality Scotland
  • Tressa Burke, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Disability Alliance
  • Karen Wylie, Policy and Participation Manager, Glasgow Disability Alliance
  • Heather Fisken, Chief Executive, Inclusion Scotland
  • Dr Pauline Nolan, Head of Policy and Engagement, Inclusion Scotland
  • Jenny Miller, Chief Executive, PAMIS - Promoting a more inclusive society

Panel 2

  • Jamie Cooke, Head of Policy and Communications, Enable
  • Suzi Martin, External Affairs Manager, National Autistic Society Scotland
  • Alice Struthers, Programme Director, Neurological Alliance of Scotland
  • Eddie McConnell, Chair, Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD)

18 June 2024

  • Kirstie Henderson, Policy Officer, RNIB Scotland
  • Amy Dalrymple, Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Marie Curie Scotland
  • Tomas Gerrard, Bid Writer, Deaf Action
  • Richard Meade, Director of Carers Scotland and Carers Northern Ireland

3 September 2024

  • Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities

10 September 2024

  • Private informal engagement sessions

17 September 2024

  • Jeremy Balfour MSP, Member in Charge of the Bill

Lead committee examines the Bill

The lead committee for this Bill is the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.

Call for views (closed)

The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee held a call for views to help inform its examination of the Bill.

View the responses to the call for views

Meetings of the lead committee

Correspondence: lead committee

Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill

Letter from the Convener of the Finance and Public Administration Committee to the Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, 23 July 2024

Disability Commissioner Scotland Bill 16 May 2024

Letter to the Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, 16 May 2024

Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill: Equality Impact Assessment

Letter to the Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee from Jeremy Balfour MSP, 14 March 2024

Stage 1 report by the lead committee

The lead committee will publish its Stage 1 report before the debate on the general principles of the Bill.

Work by other committees

Finance and Public Administration Committee