1 Making the West Midlands an Exemplar y Region for Disabled People 2024 The star t of the Journey 2 Supplementar y documents: 2 Foreword 3 Acknowledgements 5 Execut ive Summar y 7 Chapter 1- What is an Exemplary Region? 1 0 Chapter 2- The Journey so far 13 Chapter 3- Grow th for Everyone- Understanding Disabled People in the WMCA area 18 Chapter 4- Homes for Ever yone 28 Chapter 5- Jobs for Everyone 3 7 Chapter 6- Journeys for Ever yone 47 Chapter 7- Health, Social Care and Wellbeing 54 Chapter 8- Conclusion and Nex t Steps 61 Supplementar y documents: 1. Disability Needs Assessment - Evidence Base (data, intelligence and analysis report including data sources) 2. Disabled Peoples' Voice Repor t 2024 3. Accessible Housing Summary Report 4. Accessible Housing Technical Report Contents 3 Dr Shani Dhanda, Chair of WMCA Disabilit y Working Group A Vision for an Exemplar y West Midlands I was delighted to be given the opportunit y to Chair this Working Group, as the call for a more inclusive and accessible societ y has never been more vital. Disabled people deser ve the opportunit y to thrive, to contribute their talents, and to live ful˜lling lives. Yet far too many face signi˜cant barriers that limit their potential across the West Midlands. However, these barriers are not inherent to disabilit y but societal, physical, attitudinal, and systemic obstacles. We can't accept this exclusion any longer. This repor t outlines a path for change. The Report delves into the speci˜c challenges faced by our region and outlines a comprehensive approach to dismantling barriers and creating a more equitable future for all within the West Midlands. It goes beyond sur face-level analysis, examining the ser vices, systems, and societal str uctures contributing to daily inequities. We have developed long-term recommendations that address the root causes of these barriers and create lasting change. Focusing on a regional level is cr ucial. The West Midlands has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to disability inclusion. By tailoring our recommendations to the speci˜c needs of this communit y, we ensure a more targeted and practical approach. This local focus allows us to implement changes more swiftly and set a benchmark for other regions to follow. My personal experiences as a disabled South Asian woman with proud West Midlands root s have profoundly shaped my perspective on inclusion. These experiences and the privilege of chairing the group that undertook this groundbreaking work fuel my unwavering commitment to suppor ting the West Midlands in its journey to becoming a leading region for disability inclusion and justice. I want to thank all of those that have contributed to this repor t from Disabilit y Working Group members, Local Authorities and WMCA O˚cers, to those contracted to gather data and evidence and Disabilit y Organisations. Equally I want to thank all of the disabled people that have provided their valuable lived experience and look for ward to continuing to build on those relationships and ensuring their involvement continues. This report is not the destination but rather the beginning of a transformative process that requires all of us. By working together, individuals, organisations, and policymakers can create a genuinely inclusive societ y. Imagine a West Midlands where ever yone thrives, free from barriers that hinder their goals and aspirations. Imagine a region where the rich tapestr y of experiences and perspectives is not just valued but actively empowered. That's the future I believe in. Let's build that future together. Fo rewo rd 4 Richard Par ker Mayor of the West Midlands Mayor al Foreword Since the Marmot Review in 201 0, we've seen life expectancy stall across England and health inequalities widen. The pandemic only brought these injustices into sharper focus - especially for disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions. In the West Midlands, both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy remain below the national average. That isn't good enough and it's something we must change. I want the West Midlands to work for ever yone. That includes disabled people, whose experiences and contributions must be at the heart of how we build a fairer, healthier region. This report set s out what that looks like- better access to good jobs, a˛ordable and accessible homes, reliable and inclusive transpor t and the skills people need to thrive. If we're going to tackle deep-rooted health inequalities, we need to listen. Listen to disabled people, build trust through better data and design ser vices and better systems. That's how we create lasting change. A stronger, more prosperous West Midlands means putting health and wellbeing at the centre of every thing we do. That's why my priorities are built around inclusion: Jobs for Everyone: Creating meaningful, inclusive employment opportunities. Homes for Ever yone: Delivering a˛ordable, accessible housing. Jour neys for Ever yone: Making transpor t easy to use and open to all. Grow th for Ever yone: Ensuring economic success bene˜ts ever y communit y. I fully recognise the scale of the challenge and I'm grateful to those people who have shared their experiences and have shaped this work. B ecoming an exemplar region for inclusion won't happen overnight. But I'm determined to lead the system-wide change needed to make this a reality for ever yone in the West Midlands. 4 5 Acknowledgements The WMCA and the Disabilit y Working Group would like to thank the following organisations for their work in informing this Disability Needs Assessment: The Economic Intelligence Unit (quantitative data), Disabilit y Policy Centre (disabled people's lived experience and network consultation); Habinteg Ltd and the Centre for Accessible Environments (accessible housing analysis) and Rebel Kindly who organised and facilitated the workshops. The WMCA and Disability Working Group are grateful to the over 450 disabled people in the WMCA region who provided their lived experience by attending workshops, responding to sur veys, and sat on the Disabilit y Working Group. We recognise the impor tance of ensuring the voices are not lost and will ensure they are listened to, utilised, and built upon. The voice of disabled people will always be championed and play a key element of this work. The WMCA appreciates the tr ust, commitment and collective strength of the Disability Working Group members who quickly came together and diligently took on this task, holding the WMCA to account to ensure the deliver y of actions. 5 6 Dr Shani Dhanda (Chair) Disability, Inclusion and Accessibility Consultant, Broadcaster. Most in˝uential disabled person in UK Dr Clenton Farquarson CBE Associate Director of Think Local, Act Personal, Disability advocate Sarah Rennie Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant, Disability advocate Amy Francis-Smith Senior Architect, Inclusive Design Specialist, Disability advocate Alice Hargreaves CEO- SIC, Inclusive Employment Specialist, Disability advocate Dave Rogers CEO- Midland Mencap, Disabilit y advocate Debbie Balmer Head of Business Development- Sense Louise Connop Senior Engagement Manager- Thomas Pocklington Tr ust, Disability advocate Parmi Dheensa FRSA Founder& Executive Director- Include Me Too, Disability advocate Louise Mckiernan CEO- Disability Resource Centre Richard Day Founder- Midlands Ability Net work, Disabilit y advocate Alistair Crisp Regional Accessibility Lead- Sustrans, Disabilit y advocate Ray Ashley Director of Par tnerships- Activity Alliance Chloe Schendal-Wilson Co-founder and Director- Disabilit y Policy Centre Shamima Akhtar Policy and Research Manager - Policy Connect, Disability advocate Donna Daley Disability Advocate Maria Gavin Assistant Director: Adult Social Care- Birmingham City Council Valerie DeSouza Public Health Consultant- Coventr y Cit y Council Emma Matthews Head of Dudley Disabilit y Service- Dudley Council Colin Marsh Assistant Director: Adult Social Care- Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Peter Budge Head of Service: Adult Social Care and Principal Occupational Therapist Solihull Council Kerrie Allward Director: Adult Social Care- Walsall Council Solomon Scott Senior EDI Advisor- Wolverhampton Council Nicola Pugh ICS Inequalities Programme Manager - NHS Birmingham and Solihull Kwabena Osayande Equalities and Diversit y Manager - WMCA Simon Hall Senior Deliver y Manager: Wellbeing and Prevention - WMCA Dr Mark Fosbrook PLY Senior Policy O˚cer: Health and Disabilit y- WMCA, Disability advocate Disability Wor king Group Members 7 Scope and Pur pose This report de˜nes disability broadly, covering both physical, sensor y and mental impairments that have a signi˜cant and long-term impact on a person's ability to carr y out daily activities. It includes a variety of conditions such as long-term health issues, neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD, and sensor y impairments like deafness. The main focus of this repor t is not on the impairments themselves but rather on the ser vices, systems, and societal attitudes that in˝uence an individual's everyday life. This marks the beginning of a journey toward a deeper understanding of this area, which will continue to evolve. Future e˛or ts will emphasise speci˜c impairment- related situations, explore the combination of multiple impairments, and consider the intersectionality of various characteristics and life circumstances. The WMCA is committed to becoming an exemplary region for disabled people and invites others to join in this ambition. There are already numerous examples of out standing work being done, and the WMCA encourages and support s those who are actively engaged in this area. Our goal is to develop a collective approach that celebrates and shares positive initiatives while amplifying the voices of disabled individuals. This is not something we can achieve alone; we are stronger together and we all have a part to play in reducing inequalities and enhancing the lives of disabled people. 7 8 Execut ive Summar y As par t of its commitment to build a region where people thrive in the places they live and work, in December 2023 the West Midlands Combined Authority Executive B oard agreed to initial work to develop a comprehensive disability needs assessment. This is in line with the WMCA's Health inequalities priorities to develop an in-depth understanding of the health of communities and populations in the region and understanding the barriers and enablers that the WMCA core functions bring - housing, transport, employment and skills. To re˝ect the WMCA's health function and collaboration with health stakeholders, this work also focuses on health, social care and wellbeing as a cross-cutting theme. The WMCA's Executive Board also agreed to establish a Disability Working Group to understand the scale of the challenge, where the gaps are and where more needs to be done. The exemplary region's ambition stems from the initial WMCA work to understand what is needed to enable more disabled people to be physically active. This identi˜ed that to achieve this, we needed to focus attention on understanding and addressing some of the wider determinants that prevent people getting active. It also highlighted the impor tance of centring on the voices of disabled people, the focus was to suppor t organisations to engage and understand the impact of wider determinants such as housing, transport, and employment. This Disability Needs Assessment (DNA) is a deepening of the initial project, getting rich complex qualitative and quantitative data and opportunities for action that will have the greatest impact in reducing inequalities. An exemplar y region focuses as much on a way of working as it does on the deliver y of actions. A WMCA wide collaborative approach in being data, evidence and insight driven, to co-designing ser vice deliver y and actions with disabled people and shared systems and processes that connect to disabled people's needs. It is also about a shared ambition and collective action to begin to remove the inequalities highlighted in this repor t. This work is ver y timely with a new Government and West Midlands Mayor with manifesto pledges and vision of jobs for ever yone, homes for ever yone, journeys for ever yone and grow th for ever yone that resonate with this report as well as informing the WMCA's Functional Strategies and light touch regional development framework. WMCA has convening powers to enable joint working across the region aligned to its strategic aims to reduce the region's inequalities. By continuing to work collaboratively, engaging determinedly and centring disabled voices, the root causes can be understood by many. Building these strong relationships and suppor ting partners through the process of change is the bedrock to tackling the inequalities. 9 In too many cases we do not know the scale of the challenge, where the problems are, and where more needs to be done. Disabilit y data is not routinely collected, has gaps and is often poor quality. Where the data does exist, it often remains hidden and unused and may not be able to identif y the social or environmental barriers that result in social exclusion. Disabled People's voices have been and remain key to the work moving for ward. As this work has been developed those voices have always been important. This includes: Ł Disability Working Group- using lived experience alongside, professional knowledge to support the shaping of the strategic focus. Ł Workshops- Connected disabled people with lived experience and sector exper t s and to shape the opportunities for action using the quantitative data from the Disability Needs Assessment alongside. Ł Accessible Housing repor t- Key quantitative and lived experience voices were centred in discussions and captured as key qualitative data. Ł Exemplary region- Engaging with disabled people to understand what we mean by exemplary region. This has enabled recommendations to be proposed in this report that will focus on making improvement s to progress the region on its journey to becoming an exemplar y region for disabled people. T he Enor mit y of the Challenge The comprehensive Disabilit y Needs Assessment Data repor t demonstrates the inequalities that disabled people face. Whilst acknowledging the gaps in the data available, we need to star t somewhere. Even with the incomplete data we have highlighted the stark inequalities and the need to tackle them across the region and the multiple systems involved. Some of the key quantitative data has been highlighted here, to show the breadth and depth of the issue. These inequalities show across but intrinsically connected health, employment, education, transport and access, safe accessible housing, and ˜nances. Ever y thing that enables disabled people to thrive in the places they live, work or study: 10 At 14.7% WM Avg. West Midlands has 2nd largest Disability Pay Gap of all England regions (13.8% England Avg.) Disabled Employees in West Midlands are paid the lowest in England (£11.16) compared to England average (£12.10) 24% of WMCA adults with learning disabilities NOT living in stable and appropriate accommodation (compared to 19% England-wide) 188k WMCA residents in receipt of PIP 21K aged 16-24 up 79% in last 5 years 28.2% of WMCA disabled households have no access to a car or van (compared to 27.7% England-wide) Disabled people score worse on ALL Wellbeing indicators than their non - disabled counterparts Annual spending power in WMCA of di sabled people and their households is £30.9 billion Yet we know 75% of disabled people turn their back on businesses because of poor accessibility and customer service 780,000 disabled people in WMCA region according to Family Resource Survey 22/23 (26.7% of the region's population) Higher proportion than the 24% England average The 3rd highest England region behind the Northeast and the Northwest Disabled people in West Midlands 17% feel lonely all or most of the time England disabled people average (15%) WMCA non - disabled people (3.6%) Disabled WMCA residents less likely to have level 4+ disabled people nationally (39%) Also, regionally they are more or below compared to non-disabled people who are more likely to have level 3 or higher Making the West Midlands an Exemplary Region for Disabled People The Enormity of the Challenge 10 11 Oppor t unities for Act ion From the Disability Working Group's analysis and synthesis of the data, insight, and workshop intelligence, they have set out Oppor tunities for Action for consideration by the WMCA. These would, if addressed, demonstrate the commitment to making the West Midlands an exemplar y region by helping to reduce the inequalities faced by disabled people. These focus on in˝uencing policy, changing practices, building net works, and ultimately challenging the cultures of organisations and societ y. Nur turing and suppor ting the connections between disabled people, organisations and local authorities made through the workshops will likely play a key par t in tackling inequalities. Recommendat ions Using the oppor tunities for action along with the suggestions from the Disability Working Group to create a strategic taskforce and/or commissioner as well as a Disabled People's Voice Net work, this repor t includes a series of recommendations that need to be initially taken forward to enable progression towards making the West Midlands an exemplar y region for disabled people. The oppor tunities for action and recommendations are a star ting point. The ambition of this report is to be open to exploring new opportunities as the work unfolds, learning is ongoing and new data and voices will shape future work. Moving For ward The scale of the challenge is signi˜cant and complex. Collaboration and co- production are essential, and a regional approach will enable meaningful change at scale. Amplif ying the voices of disabled people provides the platforms for disabled people to be heard, as well as looking into rewarding them for their time and exper tise. 11 12 12 13 Chapter 1 - What is an Exemplar y Region? What distinguishes exemplar y from ordinar y is an interesting starting point. It is about understanding and deciding what needs to change based on a clear base of evidence and a clearly identi˜ed need from those it impact s on. Then being clear on ensuring the change takes place. However, as we move towards becoming exemplar y, we want it to become business as usual so that it is seen as ordinar y. By constantly raising the bar and reviewing within the region we are creating the environment where people can think di˛erently about approaches and solutions that engage a wider collective of people. Working towards an exemplary region can take many forms and will look di˛erent when examined through di˛erent lenses. No one lens is more important than another and all areas need to be addressed to become tr uly exemplar y. Collabor ation Fundamental to the deliver y of the Repor t's implementation is system wide collaboration around this shared ambition and outcomes as well as a set of co- designed shared principles which inform and in˝uence the work that is needed. Shared Purpose To wor k towards being an exemplary region for disabled people; a region where disabled people thr ive and achieve by having a stronger voice in decision making. This is achieved through cross system collaboration to reduce the inequalities for disabled people through meaningful, evidence based, incremental improvements to ser vices, systems and eventually culture and behaviours. Critical to this is having ˜gure head, e.g. a commissioner, to champion this vision for an exemplar y region and hold the WMCA and par tners to account by convening a strategic taskforce to drive this work for ward. Shared Outcomes There are clear tangible improvement s to the ser vices and support that disabled people receive that will directly improve the lives of disabled people. These improvements can also provide wider regional bene˜ts that see a grow th in economic activit y, provide a broader diversit y of thought and make the region a better place. The headline outcomes include: Ł Improved provision of accessible, safe, and a˛ordable housing. Ł Improved meaningful, appropriate, and good employment oppor tunities including careers, workplaces, and conditions. Ł Improved health outcomes by addressing some of the barriers that impact on disabled people's health as well as mental health, wellbeing support and social care. Ł Improved accessible, safe, and inclusive transport and community infrastr ucture. Ł Improved communication to ensure all have access to important information in a suitable format, in a timely manner. 14 Exemplar y System Outcomes While many systems and processes have been developed and changed over time, there are many that still do not fully consider the needs of disabled people. The focus of convening a region and seeking a collective agreement across WMCA directorates, local authorities, public and private organisations should not be forgotten or not considered to be an exemplary practice in its own right. The WMCA can lead the way nationally in improving the outcomes for disabled people. The star ting point outcomes include: Ł A shared system adoption of the social model for disabilit y Ł Improving data and insight by plugging gaps and shor tages and adopting common data sets and a harmonised approach. Ł Strengthening disabled people's voice by co-producing future decisions, ser vice design and policy that impact on their future, lifest yles, and wellbeing. Ł Improving multi-stakeholder collaboration across ser vices and geography which place the improved outcomes for disabled people at the heart of policy and ser vicing deliver y. Ł Improving the monitoring, evaluation, learning and progress of work towards the shared purpose which drives improvement, policy shifts and resource allocation. Ł Improving the West Midlands adoption and achievement of disabled people recognised standards such as Disability Con˜dent, and a collaborative commitment to exceed criteria where possible to be responsive to disabled people's needs. Societ y - Outcomes To move towards becoming an exemplar y region it is important to see the str uctural and output developments to enable positive action. However, the fundamental key to being exemplary is what di˛erence it makes to disabled people in the West Midlands. As a result of becoming an exemplary region, do disabled people feel the region has improved? Do they feel empowered, suppor ted and a valuable contributor to their communit y? Ł improvements across common wellbeing indicators, positive experiences fed back through Disabled People's Voice and positive wider societal improvement feedback to WMCA and stakeholders. 15 What is the impact of becoming an exemplar y region for disabled people? The impact of moving towards and becoming an exemplar y region for disabled people is transformational for individuals, communities, the region, and local and central government. The social and economic value of being an exemplary region has multiple bene˜ts. A 2015 study by South African Economist JP Landman highlighted that a 5%-point rise in disabled people's employment would lead to an increase in GDP of £23bn by 2030, and a 10%-point rise (a million disabled people in work) would result in an increase of £45bn. 1 Living, working, or visiting an exemplar y region for disabled people would feel ver y di˛erent. 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 suppor t they need, they will be able to live in an appropriate and suitable home in a communit y 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 societ y in a way that is appropriate for them. Ultimately, disabled people will say fiThe West Midlands feels di˛erent. I feel valuedfl. Describing how a disabled person will feel is easy. This is not about creating a region that treat s disabled people better than non-disabled people. It is about creating a fairness so a disabled person can feel the same as how a non-disabled person feels. It is about understanding that it might take more to enable that to happen but by creating equity you are enabling all to have the same chances. To be transformational disabled people will be able to live their life, without any impairment impacting on their day-to-day lives. They will not have to plan their journey, will not be treated less favourably in the workplace and be able to live as independently as possible due to where they live. They will feel better, achieve better outcomes, and play a key role in boosting the region. B ecoming a tr uly exemplar y region is a long-term commitment to make the region fairer, healthier, more prosperous, and better connected. fiFeel like it's a race to the bottom, none of us win. I feel like some impairments are seen as more impor tant than others and we are ˜ghting each other for the crumbs of supportfl Disabled Person ( WMCA Disabled Person's Voice 2024) 1 JP Landman Economic s' key disabilit y ˜ndings 16 16 17 Chapter 2 - T he Jour ney so far Health of the Region The ambition to become an exemplary region for disabled people is a commitment made in the WMCA's Health of the Region Repor t ( 2020), as well as our wider focus on improving health outcomes for people and groups facing heightened health inequalities. The WMCA has always focused on improving health and wider outcomes for disabled people, star ting initially with a focus on getting more disabled people active, supporting organisations to engage better and placing disabled people at the heart of the conversation. As the work has matured, it became apparent that there would be little meaningful impact unless we focused more on making a di˛erence through the WMCA's core responsibility areas, which lie around the wider determinant s of health, including (housing, transpor t, employment and skills) alongside a focus on healthcare, social care and mental wellbeing. The pandemic created a new landscape, raising fur ther challenges for many communities especially disabled people. The pandemic ampli˜ed the stark, complex realit y for, and about, disabled people. Any change to reduce these health inequalities is a collaborative long-term undertaking. Post pandemic, as a region we made a collective commitment to achieve positive change in addressing health inequalities. The WMCA, in it s devolved functions, assumes a pivotal role in health creation for the region. If we are to improve the health outcomes of disabled people, we need to in˝uence and shape the kinds of homes we live in, the way we get around, the air we breathe, and the t ypes of employment opportunities available to us. It is of great impor tance for the WMCA and the Mayor of the West Midlands, as poor health limits the ability for the region and its people to prosper. We need the WMCA economy to deliver growth that suppor t s better health and wellbeing and addresses health inequalities, especially for those that are impacted the most. Acknowledging this has led to a re-shaping of the WMCA priorities on health to focus on the following: Ł Support the deliver y of initiatives including convening evidence-based work to tackle health inequalities. The WMCA Region's Directors of Public Health suppor ted a regional focus on cer tain communities, such as disabled people due to population size and the scale of inequalities, to enable a more speci˜c understanding of impairments. This was supported by a WMCA and Kings Fund facilitated Roundtable event, highlighting some of the issues faced by disabled people and the opportunities available if we worked collaboratively to understand and respond to the needs of disabled people. The stakeholders included NHS, local authorities, disabled people, disabilit y charities, academics, and other professionals. 18 Ł Enable healthy, thriving communities through implementing a health-in-all policies approach and help drive resources into speci˜c areas of unmet demand. To achieve this, this repor t identi˜es the evidence and opportunities for action for disabled people across the WMCA core functions. Ł Enable healthy, productive workforces and use economic grow th as an enabler of health in the region. Adopting these three priority approaches is a means by which the combined authorit y can develop and implement policy that improves health outcomes and aligns and contributes to inclusive grow th. I want to be heard Disabled people have long been campaigning for finothing about me, without mefl as too often solutions to challenges are shaped for disabled people with little to no involvement with them. There is often a lack of understanding of co-production: often it is merely consulting with disabled people, then building what was originally planned, and not always aligned with what was requested. Co-production is more than that. It is about engaging with disabled people in a meaningful way and involving them in the development& building of the o˛er. Disabled people have become tired of sharing their valuable lived experience for it to be ignored or not acted upon. T he Need for a Clear Shared Model The WMCA support s the Social Model of Disability which states you are not disabled by your impairments but rather by societ y and the environment you are in. Under the Equalit y Act 201 0, you are disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative e˛ect on your abilit y to do normal daily activities. Disability Wor king Group In December 2023, the WMCA Executive Board agreed to the development of a regional disability needs assessment and the establishment of a Disabilit y Working Group with a remit to understand the scope of the challenge and how best to proceed. The Disability Working Group (DWG) included representatives from disabled people in the region, disability organisations, the WMCA and 7 Local Authority Senior leaders, predominantly Directors / Assistant Directors of Adult Social Care. 19 The DWG has: Ł Championed the necessit y and bene˜ts of establishing action based on evidence, insight and intelligence, the value of engaging disabled people in a meaningful way and the bene˜ts of collaborative working and in˝uencing policy, practice and delivering at scale. Ł Recognised early on that it is ex tremely complex to tackle inequalities. Any future implementation of actions will require: o Policy creation, in˝uence, and change o a whole system and service improvement and change o In˝uencing current and creating new investment o Long-term behaviour change This can only be achieved if priorities are explored concurrently to create the most likely opportunit y for signi˜cant impact in policy, practice, and disabled people's positive experience. Ł A focus on improving outcomes, in tandem with measuring progress on creating the conditions for change will increase the likelihood for greater impact. Key conditions which drive positive impact include strengthening the reach of disabled people's voices as well as suppor ting and showcasing collaborative working. There are many barriers to system change- cementing this work in data, insight and intelligence seeks to create a collective commitment to mitigate against this. This report is the culmination of developing that understanding of need, exploring how the work is best placed and providing opportunities to explore launching something that could make the lives of thousands of disabled people better across the region. It is also timely given the WMCA's Single Settlement work to develop Functional Strategies and the Regional Grow th Study giving a broader and deeper focus by evidencing the stark inequalities for disabled people across the WMCA core functions - Housing, Employment and Skills and Transpor t. It informs the WMCA's Health in all Policies and Health inequalities strategic priorities and emphasises the value of our work to reduce health inequalities. It demonstrates inclusive grow th fundamentals and highlights how each area of work intersect s and impacts the others. It is also timely and relevant for the manifestos and policy commitment s of the new Government and West Midlands Mayor. 20 The West Midlands Mayor's Manifesto pledged to increase social housing, drive up standards in the private rented sector, remove pavement parking, deliver walking and cycling for all and reduce the disabilit y pay gap. This repor t also places the WMCA in a positive position to realise the new Government ambitions including supporting more disabled people and those with health conditions in ˜nding work through the ‚Get Britain Working' White Paper; devolving funding to local areas to create joined-up work, health, and skills programmes for disabled people; two weeks of work experience will be guaranteed for ever y young people and improving the healthy life expectancy between di˛erent regions in England. This repor t recognises that no one manifesto pledge can be delivered in isolation and the necessity to work on the sca˛olding to enable long term impact and change. Disability Needs Assessment Informed by the Disabilit y Working Group, the Disability Needs Assessment, covers 3 aligned work streams: This report is suppor ted by three additional report s that together make up the Disability Needs Assessment. The following repor t s provide more indepth information and data than is presented within this headline repor t. Disabled People's Voice Report 2024 Developing the r ichness of insight and intelligence by listening to nearly 450 Disabled Peoples' voices via consultation, workshops, online sur veys and work with disability net works and organisations in the region. In doing so, strengthen the voice and net works of disabled people across the region, formalising structures and bringing together disabilit y charities, advocates, and third-sector organisations to inform, in˝uence and co-design future decision-making. The work provides a snapshot of the challenges, good practices, and enablers for disabled people. This work was being developed throughout 2024 and has a reach to over 2000 disabled people. T he Disabled People's Voice Repor t accompanies this report. Evidence Base Repor t Understanding and analysing available quant it ative nat ional, local, and regional data on disabled people and where appropriate the comparison with non-disabled people or other regions. This included consultation with the Government's Disabilit y Policy Unit. T he Disability Needs Assessment - Evidence Base Report accompanies this repor t. 21 Accessible Housing Summary and Technical Report Deep dive analysis of Accessible Housing for disabled and elderly people covering both quantitative data and lived experience insight including consultation with local authorities summarising accessible housing provision, policy, and practice, identif ying the regional barriers and issues with the existing housing provision for disabled and elderly people in the region and making recommendations for WMCA and it s stakeholders on future action. T he Accessible Housing Summary Repor t and Accessible Housing Technical Repor t set s out this analysis and recommendations and accompanies this report. The fundamental purpose of this needs assessment, by exposing and understanding the root causes of inequality to address the challenges that have day-to-day impact on disabled people. Oppor t unities for Act ion Organised four ex ternally facilitated thematic workshops to analyse this data and identify opportunities for action that could be explored through this work. The housing, transpor t, employment and skills and health, social care and wellbeing workshops were designed to ensure disabled voices were centred in the discussions, to engage everyone in the room and really show the impact on people's day to day lives. 65 people attended the 4 workshops representing disabled people, sector expert s, WMCA, Disability organisations and Local Authorities. The Opportunities for Action were a snapshot in time and were guided by the conversations on the day. They are not an exhaustive list and could include inter ventions already underway / planned or that are not within the permissions of WMCA. The resultant Opportunities for Action were prioritised by the DWG and are a combination of some policy and practical opportunities that could be explored. The Opportunities range from shor t term wins to very long term and aspirational goals. These are a fimoment in timefl and will continue to be reviewed and updated as the work continues, and data is gathered. The DWG agreed Opportunities for Action for each theme, which are included within this repor t. Recommendat ions Utilising the Opportunities for Action, which were based on evidence and realit y of life for disabled people a series of recommendations have been developed, involving guidance and agreement from each relevant WMCA directorate. Where recommendations connect with wider stakeholders, future discussions and permissions will be explored. The recommendations are practical approaches to the opportunities for action that ensure a disability focus is considered. They will continue to be explored to understand where and how they can be achieved. Where possible recommendations will seek to be embedded within existing or future work plans to absorb cost s. If it is identi˜ed that fur ther investment is required, these will be explored through alternative funding streams and the development of business cases. 22 Key recommendations to enable open conversations to take place are: Ł To appoint a commissioner to champion this vision for an exemplar y region and hold the WMCA and par tners to account by convening: Ł To establish a strategic Disability Taskforce to drive this work for ward. Consisting of key decision makers, disabled people, and disabilit y organisations. The purpose of this Taskforce will be to drive recommendations forward, review progress and build and shape fur ther recommendations in a co-produced way, based on evidence and need. 22 23 Chapter 3 - G ro wt h for Ever yone Understanding Disabled People in the WMCA area The key to enabling change is to understand the people this will impact. Without a clear understanding, we would not understand the scale of the challenge. What the dat a says The Disability Needs Assessment Base of Evidence provides the most comprehensive understanding of a population cohor t in the region. It is wor th noting that the quantitative data will only ever tell part of the stor y and can only be interpreted with and against the rich insight and intelligence, of the lived experience of disabled people. Unless stated the firegionfl refers to the West Midlands Combined Authority region covering the Cities of Birmingham, Coventr y, Solihull and Metropolitan B oroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. Please view the Disabilit y Needs Assessment Base of Evidence Report for the full comprehensive data. The data collection, analysis and interpretation have told us: 780,000 disabled people in WMCA region according to Family Resource Survey 22/23 (26.7% of the region's population) Higher proportion than the 24% England average The 3rd highest England region behind the Northeast and the Northwest 188k WMCA residents in receipt of PIP 21K aged 16-24 up 79% in last 5 years 24 1 7. 3 19.3 1 7. 9 1 7. 2 1 9 .1 18.2 1 7. 8 1 8 .1 1 7. 3 1 6 .6 2 0. 0 1 9. 0 1 8 .0 1 7. 0 1 6 .0 1 5 .0 Birmingham % of Disabled People Cove n t r y Dudley Sandwell Solihull Walsall Wolverhampton WMCA West Midlands England Table 1 - Percent age populat ion of disabled people per WMCA Local Author it y. Image Description: Graph showing the % of disabled people within each local authorit y: Birmingham 17.3%, Coventr y 16.6%, Dudley 19.3%, Sandwell 1 7.9%, Solihull 1 7.2%, Walsall 19.1%, Wolverhampton 18.2%, WMCA 1 7.8%, West Midlands 18.1%, England 1 7.3%. Image Description: The bar chart from the ONS Family Resources Sur vey ( 2023) illustrates disability prevalence rates across UK regions. London has the lowest rate at around 15%, while the North East has the highest at approximately 31%. The West Midlands, highlighted in purple, has a prevalence rate of around ~27%, placing it third in England. Disability Prevalence by Region in England (%) ONS Family Resources Sur vey ( 2023) 25 This data cannot be viewed in isolation and disabilit y covers di˛erent impairment t ypes, with some demonstrating a higher level of need and suppor t. The three highest impairment types in the WMCA region are: Ł Di˚cult y with mobility- 2 1% of the region's disabled people population, associated with limb di˛erence and/or the loss of strength and muscle mass, sti˛ joints, gait changes that a˛ect balance and range of motion. Ł Di˚cult y with stamina/breathing/fatigue (SBF)- 1 6%. Evidence suggests that people with such conditions are much less likely to be in work, much more likely to be in pover t y, and much more likely to be food insecure than non-disabled people and more likely to have other impairments. 2 Ł Di˚cult y with mental health -1 6%- To consider the evidence and action, this repor t should also be read in conjunction with the WMCA's fi Towards Mental Health Equality Repor tfl (2023) 3 and the Draft WMCA Mental Health Commission One Year On (2024) 4 Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe, however, across the region, we see disabilit y prevalence increases with age: Ł 7% are under 15 years old compared to 24% of non-disabled resident s. Ł 58% are1 6-64 years old compared to 64%. Ł 35% are 65 years and over compared to 11%. Ł This is also true across England although West Midlands has a steeper increase between 55 and 85 years. This aligns with disability-free life expectancy being lower in West Midlands 5 . 83% of disabled people nationally acquire their disabilit y during their working lives. The stark reality is that disabled people are more likely to live in deprived neighbourhoods. This aligns nationally with nearly 50% of all people in pover t y being either disabled or living with a disabled person. 38.5% of LSOAs in the WMCA were in the top 20% most deprived areas for the health deprivation and disability domain in England.14.7% of those LSOAs are in the top 1 0% most deprived. 2 STAMINA, BREATHING AND FATIGUE IMPAIRMENTS A Pro˜le using the Family Resources Sur vey 2019- 20 B en Baumberg Geiger (Universit y of Kent/King's College London), August 2022 3 mental-health-repor t.pdf (wmca.org.uk) 4 West Midlands Mental Health Commission: One Year On progress repor t (wmca.org.uk) 5 Disability Con˜dent. Gov.uk 26 Top 20% most deprived areas for the health deprivat ion and disabilit y domain: Table 2: WMCA geogr aphy and top 20% most deprived areas and where disabled people live. Image Description: A map of the WMCA Geography overlaid with localities of deprived areas and where disabled people live. 55% of the region's disabled people are women, consistent with England average whereas the non-disabled population is split relatively 50:50 male and female. 75% of disabled people in the region class themselves as White, 15% Asian/Asian British and 5% Black, Black British, African, or Caribbean. This means for the WMCA area, there was a greater propor tion of disabled people that are of a White ethnicity than the proportion of White people in the general population. All ethnic minority groups show a lower propor tion of disabled people than the general population. Ł Disability does not discriminate. Unpacking disability means understanding impairments and the intersectionality with people's other identities to truly understand needs, aspirations and, where appropriate, unique experiences of oppression. 27 Grow th for ever yone-T he Strength of the Pur ple Pound Additional work undertaken by the WMCA to inform the Needs Assessment, identi˜ed: Spending power of disabled people in the West Midlands Estimated amount that West Midlands based businesses lose due to poor accessibility and customer service for disabled people High Street shops lost £ 25.6 million Restaurants, Pubs& Clubs lost £1 5.6 million Supermarket s lost £ 48 million Energy companies lost £ 4.2 million Phone& Internet providers lost £ 4.7 million Transport providers £ 4 million Banks& Building Societies £89 million Working with disabled people and other stakeholders to address the barriers and enablers set out in this repor t, will improve disabled people's outcomes as well as a multi-billion boost to the economy. By understanding disabled people better through data, voices and how they spend their money we can ensure that grow th is for ever yone. Based on National 2023 Purple Pound ˜gures broken down to West Midlands. Annual spending power in WMCA of di sabled people and their households is £30.9 billion Yet we know 75% of disabled people turn their back on businesses because of poor accessibility and customer service 28 An Exemplar y region for dat a, insight, research, and intelligence The complexity of disability and intersectionalit y is re˝ected in the gaps, inconsistencies, and shor tage of data across all impairments, from localit y to regional to national data set s. Understanding the data, insight, research, and intelligence is one of the key components of being an exemplary region for disabled people, including: Ł Adoption of a common de˜nition and approach- the social model of disabilit y Ł Common and consistency in data and analysis from local to region Ł Addressing the data gaps, inconsistencies, and shortages. Ł Keeping data, insight, and intelligence current, relevant, and available. Ł Amplif ying the public health evidence-based approach to policy, investment, and programme planning. Birmingham City Council has recently published / due to publish several deep dives into speci˜c disabilit y impairment groups (2024) 6 . These include good practice recommendations on a whole system approach to disabilit y data collection and sharing. It seeks to use a harmonised data standard, making statistics and data more comparable, consistent, and coherent. 7 S trengthening Disabled People's Voice This needs to go arm-in-arm with a commitment to capturing insight and intelligence of disabled people's lived experiences and strengthening disabled people's voice in future decision-making on all matters relevant to them, working to the principle of finothing for me, without mefl. This is reinforced by the data that shows that disabled resident s in the region are already more likely to take par t in the a˛airs and activities of their communit y, societ y, or government than non-disabled resident s. 6 Bir mingham City Council in Depth Impairment speci˜c Needs Assessments 7 Government Analysis Function. Impair ment harmonised standard. Ac c essed Jul 2024. 29 Case Study- Disability Equalit y Action Par tnership The Disability Equalit y Advisory Panel (DEAP) is one of the longest running multi- sector partnerships at Coventr y City Council and has been in existence for over t went y years. The DEAP meets three times a year and representatives of groups and individuals are invited by the Chair to attend. Each year the Par tnership is reviewed to ensure additional people can be invited to represent disabled people across a diverse cross section of Coventr y residents, charities, voluntar y organisations, and ser vice users, who all work together as an e˛ective, proactive action par tnership. Role of Disabilit y Equality Action Par tnership Ł The par tnership's role is to: Ł Inform and assist the Cabinet Member with responsibility for equality in improving access for disabled people to Council ser vices and employment opportunities. Ł Identif y issues that are signi˜cant to meeting the needs and aspirations of disabled people. Ł Provide feedback to the Cabinet Member with responsibility for equality on key developments and policy proposals. Ł To harness the skills, knowledge, and abilities of members to strengthen working together to identify and resolve issues. Ł To provide a conduit for collating and disseminating key messages to disabled people. Ł To ensure young disabled people and other disabilit y forums are working collaboratively with the par tnership. Ł To identify key areas where ser vices and partner agencies could deliver improvements. Key Achievement s To suppor t people with disabilities the DEAP made a commitment to launch the following four char ters: Ł Shopping Char ter Ł Transport Char ter Ł Sport s and Leisure Char ter Ł Work Char ter 30 To date the Shopping Char ter, Transport char ter and Spor t s Char ter have been launched. Shopping Charter The Shopping Char ter was launched in October 2019. The shopping charter set s out 11 commitments which allows all disabled people the right to visit and shop in Coventr y, and access and suppor t businesses in the cit y.˙ The DEAP worked alongside many partners and organisations to agree and implement the commitment s. Tr ansport Char ter The Transport Char ter was launched September 202 1 and set s out 1 0 commitment s designed to improve and aid the experience of disabled people (hidden and visible) using public transpor t in Coventr y. It brings together regional partners, transport operators and local people so that we can work together to deliver a fully accessible public transport ser vice that people with disabilities and additional requirement s can use with con˜dence. Spor t s and Leisure Char ter The Sport s and Leisure Char ter was launched March 2024. The Char ter set s out a range of commitment s designed to improve the experience and opportunities for disabled people and their families in Coventr y to access sporting and leisure activities in the city. As part of Coventr y Cit y Council's One Coventr y approach, we recognise that all members of society must have equal access to sport and leisure in our cit y. Changing Places Toilets With the support of the DEAP, Coventr y Cit y Council were awarded £260,190 of government funding to install ˜ve new Changing Places toilets in the cit y to help improve lives of severely disabled residents by March 2024. The Council have installed Changing Places toilets at the following venues: Ł Coombe Abbey Park Ł War Memorial Park Ł Shop Mobility Ł Albany Theatre Ł Tesco- Cross Point 31 Key Involvement in consult ations, str ategies, and project DEAP has played a vital role in supporting council o˚cers write key strategies and have taken an active role is designing project s such as: Ł Shopmobilty Ł The new on demand transport ser vice Ł Assistance Dogs and Taxi Ser vices Ł Tra˚c Management in the City Centre Ł Accessibility to Polling Stations Ł Anti-social behaviour in cit y centres (ebikes) Ł Upper Well Street pedestrian crossing Ł Local Plan Ł Travel without Barriers scheme. 32 Grow th for Ever yone: Opport unit ies for Act ion This ambition and Opportunities for Action were created by the Disability Working Group and have been used to shape recommendations within this repor t. These also show the connection to the Inclusive Grow th Framework (IGF), where relevant. Ambition: An exemplar y region driven by an in-depth understanding of disabled people, the barriers, good practices, trends, and opportunities, strengthened by disabled people being part of the development and decision-making process. Opport unity Develop a regional campaign to encourage key stakeholders including Local Authorities and the WMCA to adopt the social model of disability to inform policy, practice, and action. Work with the Government and stakeholders on the harmonisation of data including prioritising & addressing the data gaps, shor tages, and inconsistencies. Develop a current and relevant regional data platform which is accessible to all. A regional disabilit y Data Sharing commitment to work together to unblock those issues preventing data sharing. A regional commitment for all WMCA- wide employers to make their websites tr uly accessible. To amplif y Disabled Peoples' Voices in developing decisions and communicating on matters relevant to them by establishing a WM Disabilit y Network connecting local and regional organisations. Challenge (-) and B ene˜t s (+) -The Medical Model can sometimes lead to societal exclusion, placing the burden of adaptation on the individual rather than addressing the societal barriers. +Disabled People can see that Local Authorities and WMCA place a signi˜cant value on disabled people to understand the barriers that impact them. IGF: Equalit y -Limited available data and potentially costly. +Develops robust and consistent data and intelligence on and for disabled people -Current data gaps, shor tages, and inconsistencies. +Provides a data source to inform policy, practice and action and the ability to analyse trends. -Inconsistent data capture. +Ampli˜es the exemplar y region for disabled people and brings added value to individual and collective work. -Inaccessibilit y limit s oppor tunities. +Disabled people can access employment & other support. -Disabled people's time and expertise need to be recognised. +Champion tr ue co-production, responding to needs and evidence impact and challenges. IGF: Power and Par ticipation 33 Grow th for Ever yone: Recommendat ions The following recommendations are for the WMCA, but this work is only possible with a collective approach. These are recommendations as areas that will create a positive move towards becoming an exemplary region. The WMCA will work with other organisations to make their own decision on how to engage. Code P1 P2a P2b P3 Recommendat ion To seek agreement for all par tners / stakeholders across region to understand the role the social model of disability can play within their organisation and adopt where appropriate. To seek agreement with ser vice areas, star ting with the ˜ve devolved single settlement areas, to ensure that published data and evidence on disabilit y and disabled people are regularly and consistently used for decision-making, analysis, and evaluation; and for data on users, output s, and outcomes for disabled people to be consistently collected, analysed, shared, to address gaps in our understanding of the experiences of disabled people. To work through the Data Partnership with HM Government, Devolved / Chief Data O˚cers Council, and other organisations to harmonise data collection in government to ensure comparabilit y across combined authorit y and other devolved footprint s Suppor ting to make public disability data more easily accessible across WMCA and stakeholders for own use / analysis. To convene discussions to harmonise the way future data collection is gathered by WMCA and stakeholders to ensure consistency and correlation. Engage with Disabilit y Unit, NSIDAC and other national bodies to explore consistency at a national level. Gathering data not just about the presence of a disability, but about impairment t ype (e.g. mobilit y, dex terit y, mental health, learning, hearing, and vision) as well as demographic data (e.g., age, gender, ethnicit y, disabilit y, and sexual orientation) should be done across the life course and align with the harmonised standards developed by ONS as recommended by the Inclusive Data Taskforce. To commit to and launch the Disabled People's Voice Net work. Exploring oppor tunities on how disabled people can be embedded within coproduction oppor tunities across region and within WMCA. 34 34 35 Chapter 4 - Homes for Everyone Supporting the WMCA's Health of the Region 2020 Report, the Disability Working Group identi˜ed Housing as a speci˜c theme the group wanted some deeper understanding and analysis of. Improving the number of houses that are safe, a˛ordable, accessible, and adaptable in the region is seen as one way of breaking the cycle of disadvantage. Ever yone deserves to have a home that is safe and accessible. An accessible home suppor t s independence, health, well-being, and personal safet y and reduces isolation. These bene˜t s help to reduce health and social care expenditure, increase social inclusion and suppor t access to the labour market for disabled people and their families. Meeting the housing needs of disabled and elderly people are examples of how the region delivers inclusive grow th. West Midlands Combined Authorit y seeks to suppor t the creation of homes and places that ˜t the needs and aspirations of current and future resident s in all communities across the West Midlands. Since 2018, existing funds have operated as gap funds to address market failure and support overall housing supply and regeneration throughout the West Midlands. These include the £1 28m Brown˜eld Housing Fund to support star t s on 7,500 new homes; and the £24m National Competitive Fund to suppor t 1,700 new homes, both by March 2025. The £1 00m Brown˜eld Infrastr ucture Land Fund is suppor ting new land capacit y for 4,000 housing star t s by March 2026 and the £100m Land Fund supporting 8,000 housing start s. As par t of the future single settlement, WMCA has been able to build on it s experience unlocking the bene˜ts of development across the region with a commitment of at least £400m A˛ordable Homes Programme, giving greater in˝uence over a˛ordable housing deliver y and strategy, as a precursor to full devolution of the AHP from Homes England. As par t of the future single settlement, there are three principal functions: 1. Regeneration via enabling and improving local housing supply. 2. Delivery of capital investments to unlock additional housing and regeneration. 3. Remediation and development of brown˜eld sites. The WMCA is exploring the role of health in housing, and how the areas of housing can in˝uence health& wellbeing outcomes in their capacit y as wider determinant s of health. The functional strategy will address these directly through a metric targeting proximity to key amenities in walk /wheelable distance for new and existing homes, including GP and pharmacy ser vices, public transport hubs, green open space, and healthy food. It also proposes expanded activities to tackle Categor y 1 health hazards in social and private rented housing, including a renewed decency fund and several expanded resources and powers for Local authorities and the WMCA to augment existing monitoring and enforcement activities in Private Rented Sector licensing. 36 The Disability Needs Assessment Housing data and analysis is especially relevant given the Government's plans to increase social housing and drive-up standards in the private rented sector. In addition, it has relevance in delivering the West Midlands Mayor 's pledge to remove pavement parking as accessible housing requires accessible environments and routes. Accessible housing in an inaccessible environment impact s isolation and loneliness. The upcoming refresh of the WMCA design charter also allows embedding light and space standards, improved accessibility, and a variet y of measures to improve the sociability of housing. It also support s broader master planning principles that promote active travel and proximit y to key amenities. Moreover, an improved supply of high-quality, secure, and genuinely a˛ordable housing can reduce stress and anxiety where housing cost s, insecurit y or overcrowding challenges can often increase levels. fi Why do disabled people have to live next door to each other ? Accessible housing is often all together, why can't it be integrated and spread out in all new housing development s? How can one type of house meet the needs of all impairments?fl Disabled Person ( WMCA Disabled Person's Voice Repor t 2024) What the dat a says This data includes the data and intelligence and the additional ˜ndings from the Accessible Housing needs assessment. Ł Disabled people in the West Midlands are less likely to own their own home (13.5%) than the England average (1 2.6%) Ł In West Midlands, disabled people are almost three times more likely to be living in socially rented accommodation than non-disabled people. Ł Disabled people are more likely to be living at home in adulthood. What are accessible homes? Building regulations specif y accessible housing standards for all new homes. Current Local Authority plans determine how many homes must be M4(2) or M4(3). In 2022, the Conser vative Government announced that M4(2) will become the new regulator y because it bene˜t s everyone especially older and disabled people. Industr y stakeholders also agreed with this regulator y change. 24% of WMCA adults with learning disabilities NOT living in stable and appropriate accommodation (compared to 19% England-wide) 37 Challenges Does not guarantee ease of access for disabled people, particularly wheelchair users. It has made some considerations that could accommodate di˛erent impairment s, however, more will most likely be required. (a) While the ˝oor plan can accommodate additional ˜ttings and adjustment s may need to be considered to make the house suitable for wheelchair users. (b) Is fully ˜tted to meet the needs of a wheelchair user with minimal adaptations required. Categor y P1 M4(1) M4(2) (currently optional standard) M4 (3) (optional standard) D escr ipt ion Visitable - is the baseline default for all new homes unless optional standards are invoked. Accessible and adapt able dwelling; features include wider doorways, and bathroom walls suitable for grab rails and stairs that will easily accommodate a stairlift. Wheelchair-user dwellings meet the needs of a household that includes a wheelchair user and includes t wo sub- categories: M4(3a) meet s the layout requirement s for a wheelchair-accessible proper ty. M4(3b) fully ˜tted so a wheelchair user can occupy with minimal personalised adaptations. Table 4- Gover nment Visitable and Accessible Homes S tandards Image Description: Table explaining the Government visitable and accessible home standards M4(1), M4( 2) and M4(3). Through the analysis of local plans and housing data, the Habinteg Accessible Housing Repor t for the WMCA identi˜ed: Ł 7 9% of West Midlands homes are estimated to have been built before any accessibility standards available. Ł 1 56,21 3 of homes in the WMCA could be deemed broadly ‚visitable'. Ł 28% or 4 6 6,000 homes in WMCA cannot be adapted to reach the ‚visitable' standard (national average). A summar y of WMCA Local Authorit y Plans status including the targets for the provision M4( 2), M43a and M43b homes is provided below. This informs the proposals and opportunities for action on the number of homes by 2040 below. 38 S tatus Preferred options Issues and options consultation Draft plan consultation Draft, consultation closed Draft submission Review due autumn 2024 Issues and options, consultation closed Birmingham CC Coventry CC Dudley Sandwell Solihull Walsall* Wolverhampton M4(2) Targets 1 0 0% 9 0% 85% (up to) 1 0 0% 1 0 0% Nil 1 0 0% (Green˜eld only) M4(3)(a) Targets 1 0% 1 0% 1 5% 1 5% 1 5% Nil Nil M4(3) (b) Targets Nil 1 0% Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 5% Ł Most specify high numbers of M4(2), but some restrict by t ype of development. Ł Six specify M4(3) wheelchair user dwellings in some types of development. Table 5- Local Authority Local Plans and status including planned provision of accessible homes standards. * Walsall data not included as new Local Plan to be developed Autumn 2024 as set out in future planning policy. Image Description: Grid table showing proposed target s for M4 standards in each Local Plan and status. The Habinteg Repor t recommended to the WMCA that based on June 2024 data: Ł The WMCA region needs Ł most (52%) need is likely to be for general (not supported) housing for people 65 years plus, both a˛ordable and marketable and Ł across WMCA 3,534 households need accessibility or adaptation (5% of the total waiting list of 68,766) Ł O f the 57 14, approx. 297 1 would be for people aged 65+ current WMCA Local Authority Plans could generate a maximum of 5 ,7 1 4 by 2034. (Figures updated following completion of Habinteg Report to re˝ect Birmingham City Council's announcement of a new local plan. 11,425 wheelchair- accessible properties by 2040 to meet demand. 39 Birmingham Cove n t ry Dudley Sandwell Solihull Walsall* Wolverhampton Housing t arget in plan 1 03,00 ( 2026-2042) 25,158 ( 202 1-2041) 1 0, 8 7 6 ( 2024-2041) 11,167 ( 2022-2041) 1 5 ,0 1 7 ( 2020-2036) N /A 2 1,720 ( 2022-2042) WMCA Region tot al 1 0 -year best case forecast deliver y of wheelchair- accessible homes: Aver age tot a l P/A 644 1 258 640 589 93 8 n /a 1 086 4115 Cur rent or proposed % accessible homes policy M4(2)/M4(3) 1 0 0% / 1 0% 9 0% / 1 0% 85% /15% ( 20% M4( 2) brown˜eld or low value g/f ) 1 00%/15% (best case 85% 15%) 1 00%/5% (best case 95%/5%) 1 00%/15% (best case 85% 15%) Max. No. M4(2) 2024- 2034 5152 11,322 5440 5,006 8,911 9,231 45,062 Max No. M4(3) 2024- 2034 515 1,258 96 0 883 469 1 629 5 ,7 1 4 Table 6 WMCA Region Wheelchair Accessible Home Forecast by Local Author ity * Walsall data not included as new Local Plan to be developed Autumn 2024 as set out in future planning policy. Image Description: Grid table showing the predicted 10-year best case forecast delivery of wheelchair accessible homes based on local plans. Based on local plans, the breakdown of the 5,7 14 recommended wheelchair- accessible homes is provided below: 40 Comment s received by disabled people echo the data with over 30% of disabled people responding to Habinteg's sur vey and the Disabled People's Voice report expressing that their appropriate and accessible housing situation was poor or ver y poor. What would you like to be done to overcome some of these barr ier s and create tr uly accessible Community and Housing? Respondent: fiHousing - better planning, policies, stop putting people in inhabitable housing- especially when there is black mould, damp and stairs that are big issues. Communit y- involve those with disabilities in route planning and building planning and use- do test r uns with people to see how things work.fl Respondent: fiMore disabled parking provisions. Greater signage / education that people might have non-visible mobility issues, so to be considerate, follow guidance for walking on left etc.fl Respondent: fiSupport needs to be widened for people with mild/ moderate learning di˚culties as they are currently excluded from any support.fl The data analysis and the deep accessible housing needs assessment highlights the importance of adopting a more strategic outlook - WMCA, Local Authorit y Adult Social Care, Public Health and Planning and Integrated Health Care System developing an approach to accessible housing provision, oversight, and monitoring across the WMCA region as well as ensuring disabled people's involvement in the development of any new housing policies, ser vices, and place-making. 41 Homes for Ever yone: Opport unities for Act ion This ambition and Opportunities for Action were created by the Disability Working Group and have been used to shape recommendations within this repor t. These also show the connection to the Inclusive Grow th Framework (IGF), where relevant. Ambit ion: An exemplar y region which embeds a strategic approach across health and planning, working with disabled people to deliver safe, accessible, a˛ordable homes and environment s which enable disabled people to thrive. Opport unity Develop a strategic collaborative approach to disabled people's housing provision between Local Authority Housing and Public Health, NHS/ICB Health system and adult social care and disabled people to establish and monitor progress towards the target of the number of new accessible and adaptable homes by 2040. In delivering the above, deliver a regional commitment to minimum of 11,415 new wheelchair accessible homes by 2040. To establish, monitor and keep current a WMCA-wide Accessible and Adaptable Housing Register, tracking trends, shor tages, and good practice. Promote a campaign for all housing providers, private and social landlords to provide all disabled people with PEEPs (Personal emergency evacuation plan). Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) Lack of connection to achieve outcomes collectively. +System wide approach to Person-centred services lead to better outcomes including well-being. Developers get insight into the ˜nancial viabilit y of accessible housing. IGF: Health and Wellbeing, Connected Communities, Inclusive Economy -Current plans are below need +To meet demand and raise the number of homes which are visitable and accessible for ever yone. IGF: A˛ordable and Safe Spaces -Lack of relevant region-wide data and trends. +Keeping an up-to-date record, that is relevant. Regional view of existing supply and demand. Enables a more targeted approach to addressing need and identif ying gaps. A comprehensive list of adapted homes including what adaptations have been made. IGF: A˛ordable and Safe Spaces -Disabled people risk not being suppor ted appropriately in the event of an emergency evacuation, placing them at risk of death. +Disabled people more aware of which houses suppor t improved safet y of disabled people. IGF: Equalit y 42 Opport unity Establish a WMCA-wide Disabilit y Facilit y Grant dashboard to understand and monitor progress, issues and best practices on decisions and priorities. To establish a regional housing developer char ter to ensure all accessible and adaptable homes have practical, safe, and accessible storage for mobilit y aids by 2040. A WMCA-wide commitment to upskilling local authorit y and social housing sta˛ on a person-centred approach to housing provision including training, guidance and sharing good practice. Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) -Disabled people face a postcode lotter y on how they are suppor ted / treated when in receipt of DFG. +Local Authorities engaged& shared learning. Improved housing for disabled people. Potential oppor tunit y for cost saving through supplies, and deliver y. -Disabled people do not have anywhere to store mobilit y aids, meaning they risk theft or don't have mobilit y aids and risk increased isolation. +Greater availabilit y of a˛ordable accessible housing. Removes barriers to disabled people getting around and reducing isolation. IGF: Connected Communities -Disabled people feel they are a number, and needs are failed to be met through lack of awareness and understanding. +Policies and ser vices are more likely to be designed for disabled people. Will suppor t societal change in attitudes. Possible cost savings from more e˛ective ser vices. fiI want to tell my stor y oncefl fiI do not want to re-tell my story to ever yone I interact with. Or tell it in a public space or to justif y my needs.fl Disabled Person ( WMCA Disabled Person's Voice Repor t 2024) 43 Homes for Ever yone: Recommendat ions The following recommendations are for the WMCA, but this work is only possible with a collective approach. These are recommendations as areas that will create a positive move towards becoming an exemplary region. The WMCA will work with other organisations to make their own decision on how to engage. Code H1a H1b H1c H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 Recommendat ion To convene and establish a regional collaborative Health and Housing group to include Local Authorit y Housing Teams, Public Health, NHS/ICS, and Adult Social Care. Initial emphasis on accessible and adaptable housing provision for disabled people. In delivering the above promote the use of Disability Needs Assessment s as par t of the Local Plan-making process requiring an appropriate level of supply for wheelchair accessible homes, and to promote capturing this requirement in the NPPF and socialising among the Planning Inspectorate. In delivering the above explore the adoption across WMCA geography (and their local target ) target provision of 11,415 new wheelchair-accessible homes by 2040 including practical, safe, and accessible storage for mobilit y aids and how they can be incorporated into regional grow th plans and place-based strategies. To establish, adopt and monitor a WMCA geography-accessible and adaptable housing register, tracking availabilit y, shor tages, adaptations, and good practices which help ser vices respond to disabled people's needs. To establish a WMCA-wide common Facilit y Grant Dashboard to understand and monitor progress, issues and best practice on decisions and priorities for disabled people. To suppor t the development of a Good Landlord Char ter that considers addressing inequalities faced by disabled people. E.g. exploring consistency of (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans. To suppor t a WMCA-wide commitment to upskilling local authorit y and social housing sta˛ on a person-centred approach to housing provision including training, guidance and sharing good practice. To include the Disabilit y Needs Assessment including the Accessible Housing Supply and Demand analysis as evidence-based document s in Local Authorit y Local Development Plans. 44 44 45 Chapter 5 - Jobs for Ever yone Ever yone should have the same opportunities to gain the relevant skills, experience, and employment, understanding that some will require more to get to the same point. To best understand and interpret employment and skills data, it is key to also understand education data. Employment and Skills are key to achieving economic grow th in the West Midlands, as well as ensuring where appropriate, all resident s can par ticipate fully in the labour market. The DNA data identi˜es some new areas and reinforces knowledge that there is much more that the region can do, identifying many of the barriers that disabled resident s face with accessing training and employment, reducing inequalities in outcomes and earnings, as well as progressing whilst in- work. Since the 2019 devolution of Adult Education Budget (AEB) funding from Government to the WMCA, progress has been made to support disabled residents across the region, implementing new programmes and training, as well as working collectively with key par tners to address barriers that have been prevalent for many years, and which have prevented residents being able to par ticipate. Through our AEB funded programmes, we have suppor ted circa. 40,000 individual learners who have identi˜ed that they have a learning di˚cult y, disability and/or health problems since 2019. In addition to these programmes, we have also suppor ted residents with health conditions into employment through our Thrive into Work programmes, sustaining work through Thrive at Work. This year we are launching Thrive at College, a programme aimed to suppor t young people sustain their education, as well as supporting employees across colleges. The WMCA's Employment and Skills Strategy, therefore, looks to build on our success to date, with a vision for a fully integrated employment and skills system for the region. Through this we can accelerate economic grow th, deliver better outcomes for people and places, and create better thriving communities. Disabled residents and those with poor health are a key target group through this new strategy. Supporting greater connectivity bet ween employment and educational institutions for disabled people will be a key par t of this work. Giving young people the best possible transition into employment, fur ther education, and training, linking to our ambitions for that fully integrated employment and skills system and all age careers ser vice. This strategy will lead to a fur ther strengthening of our training o˛er to residents across the region, including our work alongside partners in the Health Sector to improve pathways into the labour market, sustain work and progress, with a key focus on suppor ting resident s who are disabled or those with ill health. Get Britain Working' https://www.gov.uk /government / publications/get-britain-working-white-paper/get-britain-working-white-paper. White Paper has set out a clear ambition from Government to engage with disabled people better, to support disabled people where approporiate into work and support those those where it is not and to make workplaces more inclusive environments for disabled people. This is very much suppor ted by WMCA and aligns well with this repor t, the recommendations and wider plans to address youth unemployment. 46 In addition, the new Government and West Midlands Mayor have pledged to close the disability pay gap, with Government pledging to improve employment support and access to reasonable adjustment s. fi What's the point of sending a kid to college if they can't get a job after wards? Please think longer term and save money while making lives better fl Disabled Person ( WMCA Disabled Person's Voice Repor t 2024) What the dat a says Ł The WMCA region has a lower ( 3.9%) than national average (4.3%) percentage of pupils with an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) 8 Ł Disabled people in WMCA with Special Educat ion Needs (SEN) are signi˜cantly less likely to achieve academic attainment (15.4%) compared to non-disabled people in West Midlands (47.3%). They also per form worse than the national SEN average (1 7%). Ł In the WMCA region 5.7% of people aged 16-1 7 with SEN were Not in Educat ion, Employment or Tr aining (NEET) compared to 1.8% without SEN. Ł Disabled people are more likely to have an Entr y Level, Level 1, or Level 2 quali˜cations as their highest level of quali˜cation. Non-disabled people are more likely to hold a level 3, level 4, or higher quali˜cation. Ł The WMCA region has 81 7 WMCA-based organisat ions that have committed to be Disability Con˜dent 9 . Ł Disabled people have lower rates of employment across WMCA than non- disabled people and lower rates than other disabled people across the Countr y. Ł A rise of 5% point s in disabled people's employment would lead to an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of £23bn by 2030. A similar rise amongst disabled adults below pension age by 2030, would result in £6bn gain to the Exchequer. It would also signi˜cantly reduce the rates of relative and absolute pover ty among disabled people, with a rise of 5-1 0% point s reducing absolute pover ty by 2-3% and relative pover t y by 3-5%. 10 Get Britain Working' White Paper has set out a clear ambition from Government to engage with disabled people better, to suppor t disabled people where approporiate into work and support those those where it is not and to make workplaces more inclusive environment s for disabled people. This is ver y much suppor ted by WMCA and aligns well with this repor t, the recommendations and wider plans to address youth unemployment. 8 Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): Ex tra help- GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 9 Excludes large companies with head o˚ces out side the region. 1 0 Landman Economics' key ˜ndings 47 Table 7 Disability pay gap trends for men and women between 2014 and 202 1. Image Description: Line Graph showing median pay for Non-disabled Men, Disabled Men, Non- Disabled Women, Disabled Women bet ween 2014 and 2021. It shows that disabled women are paid £1.35 less than non-disabled women in 21, compared to a gap of £1.87 for men, however women are paid less than men. For both this gap has increased since 2014. Women has seen the gap grow by 36p and men by 55p. Median Pay (£) £ 1 6 .0 0 £15.00 £14.00 £13.00 £1 2.00 £11.00 £ 1 0.00 £ 9. 0 0 £ 8 .0 0 2014 Men Disabled Women Disabled Men Non Disabled Women Non Disabled 2015 £1.32 £1.31 £ 1.8 7 £0.99 £1.02 £1.35 2 01 6 2 01 7 2018 2019 2020 202 1 At 14.7% WM Avg. West Midlands has 2nd largest Disability Pay Gap of all England regions (13.8% England Avg.) Disabled Employees in West Midlands are paid the lowest in England (£11.16) compared to England average (£12.10) 48 Image Description: The bar chart illustrates responses regarding barriers faced by disabled individuals in gaining skills and employment through education and apprenticeships. 27% reported being fiSeriously Prevented (All the Time),fl 13% were fiMostly Prevented,fl 30% were fiPrevented Some of the Time,fl and another 30% indicated they had fiNever B een Prevented.fl Have there been barr iers for you, as a disabled person, in gaining the skills and employment that you aspire to - through school, college and other oppor tunit ies such as apprent iceships? As par t of the Disabled Person's voice and lived experience, disabled people completed an online survey. This highlighted the following barriers they have in gaining skills and employment that they aspire to: Ł 55% Reduced access to opportunities Ł 47% Lack of teacher understanding of disabilities Ł 52% Bad management from employers Ł 55% Inaccessible environment s 49 Case Study- Thrive into Work Good Practice The Par ticipant (SC) self-referred to the ser vice after speaking with her GP. They had been out of work for 18 years due to their mental health and being a carer for their son who has Cerebral Palsy. They were receiving Carers Allowance and PIP and not required to attend meetings with the Department for Work and Pensions. After completing 12 months of trauma-related therapy, her son star ted courses at college. She felt like the nex t logical step was to attempt to re-enter employment. She severely lacked con˜dence and felt they had lost their purpose in life. They were seeking ful˜lment through employment that worked around the caring responsibilities for their son. Intensive, person-focused work star ted at the sign-up stage to understand this person's needs and preferences. Due to the caring responsibility surrounding their son any job needed to be near enough home that they could respond quickly to any emergencies. A rapid and targeted job search within a one-mile radius of their home started immediately. The Thrive sta˛ member identi˜ed and engaged with a potential employer at a local restaurant who needed a full-time cleaner. They focused on job carving and negotiating working hours with this employer which would allow the participant to work around the needs of their son. There was also a closely mediated process allowing the participant to disclose their mental health condition transparently with the employer which was cr ucial in the transition of this person back into employment. An in-work support and wellness plan were completed ensuring reasonable adjustment s were in place and were regularly reviewed. The focus of all the suppor t this person received was also around building their con˜dence and belief in themselves and their ability. After so long out of work and then getting into work so quickly the Thrive member of sta˛ had to ensure the par ticipant was ready and con˜dent to take this nex t, big step. This person successfully started this role and is still employed to this day. They received an additional four months of in-work suppor t to ensure the change was sustainable and improving this person's overall wellbeing. The participant repor ted at the end of the suppor t that the job has increased their mental health and overall well-being. They had increased their con˜dence and were even able to reduce the medication they were on. They now felt they had a sense of purpose in life in addition to being a carer for their son. 50 Jobs for Everyone: Oppor tunit ies for Act ion This ambition and Opportunities for Action were created by the Disability Working Group and have been used to shape recommendations within this repor t. These also show the connection to the Inclusive Grow th Framework (IGF), where relevant. Ambit ion: A joined-up approach to suppor ting disabled people into figood work fl, and reducing the disabilit y pay gap working with employers, educational institutions, and suppor t organisations. Opport unity To champion and showcase best practices on the recr uitment of disabled people with employers, including job adver tising sites for disabled talent To encourage and suppor t employers on their inclusive journey to recr uitment, employment, and talent development of disabled people via platforms such as Disabilit y Con˜dent and Thrive at Work. To establish a regional employer commitment to reducing the Disability pay gap including initially making annual repor ting on progress and actions. To develop and create an opt- in regional Workplace Adjustment scheme (like the Government's scheme for civil ser vants / BT Disabilit y Passpor t Scheme) that is transferable, such as through Thrive at Work. Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) -Disabled people miss out on jobs because employers o˛er inaccessible recruitment practice and can lack awareness if they do recruit. +Employers get access to great candidates who wouldn't apply through standard sites. Disabled people know recr uitment will be accessible. Leading to inclusive employment& reducing pay gap. -Lack of awareness and understanding across workforce or what suppor t can be put in place to enable a disabled employee to achieve full potential. +Disabled people have an equal oppor tunit y to progress with their current employer. Employers can ensure they are meeting the needs of their employees and enabling them to achieve their full potential at work. -Repor ting alone will not close the pay gap. It is an essential mechanism to highlight the inequalities. +Responsible employers will take steps to improve. Increased visibilit y will suppor t additional measures to reduce gap. IGF: Inclusive Economy -Disabled people have negative experience from having to share personal information on multiple occasions. Or having to ˜ght to get equipment they know will bene˜t them ever y time they move role / job. +Allowing individuals to record information about their disabilit y, long term health conditions, mental health issue or learningdisabilit y; record reasonable adjustment s agreed with the employer and help carriers communicate their needs when visiting tourist attractions; as positive evidence of greater inclusivit y. 51 Opport unity To champion a regional commitment to build and cement par tnerships between employers and SEND schools to support diversit y in the workplace and ensure all young people are equipped with skills, experience, and knowledge to enable them to ˝ourish in work. To explore social value oppor tunities through public procurement s to suppor t disabled people and organisations To work with employers to encourage subsidised access to assistive/ adapted cycles and mobilit y aids. To commit to fur ther research to understand the impact of these changes on economic grow th and prosperit y. Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) -Young disabled people not given the oppor tunit y to experience work or are written o˛ before even stepping through the door. +Reduction in youth unemployment numbers and Young People bene˜t from employment (emotional, ˜nancial, social). Employers will be able to ˜ll vacancies with skilled workers. Financial bene˜ts as more people in employment. IGF: Education and Learning -Disabled entrepreneurs are not given the oppor tunit y to demonstrate the additional value they can bring. +Good employers are more likely to get support& contracts. -Assistive and adapted cycles can cost much more than a traditional cycle, meaning cost is still prohibitive even on cycle to work scheme. +Greater access to employment for disabled people. Employers keep great talent. Active travel bene˜t s- physical activit y, environmental. IGF: Climate Resilience -Not maximising the Purple Pound spending power into WMCA region. +Evidence of the impact of change, aligned to Functional Strategies and Place based working. IGF: Inclusive Economy fi We all need good wor k. Ever yone deserves the chance to work and contribute to societ y, people are missing out on disabled people's skills.fl Disabled Person ( WMCA's Disabled People's Voice Repor t) 52 Jobs for Everyone: Recommendat ions The following recommendations are for the WMCA, but this work is only possible with a collective approach. These are recommendations as areas that will create a positive move towards becoming an exemplary region. The WMCA will work with other organisations to make their own decision on how to engage. Code ES1a ES1b ES1c ES2 ES3 Recommendat ion Utilise Disabilit y Con˜dent as a mechanism to connect with suppor tive organisations on their disabilit y journey by Establishing a regional voluntar y employer disability commitment and campaign to: 1. Reduce disabilit y employment gap. 2. Reduce disabilit y pay gap. 3. Improve good work. 4. Improve career oppor tunities and leadership. 5. Repor t on progress. Achieving ES1a by championing the value that disabled people bring to the workplace and showcasing what good work looks like for disabled people. Focusing on: 1. Job creation and shaping of role. 2. Job adver t s 3. Application processes 4. Inter views and assessment-based approaches 5. On boarding 6. Workplace adjustment s (including regional Workplace Adjustment s Scheme) 7. Retention and suppor t 8. Career and talent development Achieving ES1a through a targeted campaign targeting t wo audiences. 1. Young disabled people. Highlighting the transferable skill set s their disabilit y gives them and transferring them into the workplace. 2. Employer. Challenging perceptions around recr uiting disabled people. The amazing transferable skills, diversit y of thought, inclusive solution focused outcomes, connections to disabled people (someone like me) and other economic related bene˜t s. To develop and trial an opt-in regional Workplace Adjustment Passpor t to suppor t disabled people, reducing the need to replicate conversations about their impairment, support needs, transferable skills etc. Exploring oppor tunities to work with DWP to test a pre-approved Access to Work st yle approach and exploring oppor tunities to subsidise access to assistive/adapted cycles and mobilit y aid. 53 Code ES4 ES5 Recommendat ion To work with higher education sector on fur ther research to understand the impact of employment and skills and disability. Initial focus areas to include: 1. Impact Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and str uggling SEND services has on the outcomes of disabled people. 2. Understanding the social and economic value of disabled people. Exploring employment levels and civic par ticipation in relation to di˛erent impairment s and the economic grow th and prosperit y disabled people bring. 3. Correlation between PIP and unemployment bene˜t. Understanding those that want to work and those that are unable. To develop guidelines to ensure all funded training providers are o˛ering and promoting an inclusive learning environment. Highlighting a person-centred approach to adult education that encourages the needs of disabled people to be met through course design, adequate sta˛ awareness and, what they can do within their existing funding envelopes to provide additional suppor t where required at all stages. Monitored through contract and evaluation. 54 Jobs for Everyone: Youth Focused Recommendat ions With the signi˜cant challenges around youth unemployment in West Midlands and WMCA's commitment to tackling the challenge it is important to understand that disabled young people are disproportionately impacted when it comes to skills and employment. Not only do all the recommendations above seek to suppor t young people as well as older disabled people but there are some speci˜c recommendations targeted directly to reduce inequalities for young disabled people. Code ES6 ES7a ES7b ES8 ES9 ES10 Recommendat ion Give speci˜c consideration to pathways into the labour market and where to build additionalit y in sector plans to suppor t young disabled people. ensuring they have the oppor tunities and choice that meet their needs. To develop and foster par tnerships bet ween employers and SEND schools / colleges to suppor t diversit y in the workplace and ensure all young people are equipped with skills, experience, and knowledge to enable them to ˝ourish in work, where appropriate. e.g. Hereward college and connection with Premier Inn. Where employment isn't appropriate championing life skills and civic participation. Focus on the belief that ever ybody has the oppor tunity to provide a valuable contribution to societ y in a way that is suitable to them. To develop a positive empowerment campaign to encourage people who do not see themselves as disabled to be open about their impairment and how it can enable appropriate suppor t to thrive in the workplace. Investigate how to challenge societal views and encouraging positive empowerment from a younger age so that disabilit y is not seen as a bad thing. In addition to achieving ES1a, develop a campaign encouraging employers to ‚think di˛erently' about their workplace environment and behaviours. Focusing on young disabled and neurodivergent people. Educating employers around how the acceleration of technology has created a future workforce that is more informed, more connected, and more aware of impact on a global scale than ever before and the impact this has on what they expect from an employer. At the same providing education around suppor ting mental health, disabilit y par ticularly hidden disabilities that are often harder to understand and support. To develop career pathways to encourage young people to under take work experience in Adult Social Care or with disabled people to inspire potential careers to reduce youth unemployment, while educating about disabilit y. 55 55 56 Chapter 6 - J o u r n eys for Ever yone B eing able to travel around the region is something that most people do without too much thought or consideration. From jumping on a bus to riding a cycle hire bike, from driving a car to walking to the shops, these are all things that most people could easily do. Disabled people should have that same oppor tunity to travel in a way that meets their needs: however, the realit y is that disabled people must carefully plan and consider ever y time they leave their front door. The needs of disabled people moving around their local community through to accessing public transport safely and con˜dently var y signi˜cantly for di˛erent disabled people. Disabilit y is not one homogenous group- they are all people, individuals with di˛erent needs in di˛erent situations and transport is no di˛erent. Equally, those tasked with delivering transport and highways ser vices will not always be responsible for the challenges disabled people face, as the attitudes of societ y and not feeling safe due to vulnerability and hate crime play a signi˜cant par t. Transport for West Midlands ( TfWM) part of the West Midlands Combined Authority ( WMCA) is the Local Transport Authority which strives for a vibrant region fuelled by transpor t choices that are inclusive and fair, ensuring that there are journeys for ever yone. This is re˝ected in the new Local Transport Plan 11 , a key statutor y dut y to assess and plan the region's transpor t needs. The evidence-based Local Transport Plan set s out how TfWM, Local Authorities and partners will plan and manage the region's transport. This will help to address the current cost of living impacts for those people who rely on walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting and public transport and help to deliver a sustainable transport system that reduces impact on people and places. WMCA has statutory powers for a number of key transpor t components but does not cover all forms of transport, identi˜ed through the data and insight from disabled people. Par t of WMCA's role is to in˝uence and support at a regional level, using data and insight, even when not directly responsible for ser vices, and this work shows that making the region an exemplar y one for disabled people is impor tant. fiPeople drive o˚ when they see my wheelchair. O ften my only transpor t option is a taxi; and sometimes they just drive o˛ again when they see my chair. Buses, trains, and pavement s are hard for wheelchair usersfl Disabled Person ( WMCA Disabled Person's Voice Repor t 2024) 11 Local Transport Plan- Related Document s | Transpor t for West Midlands (tf wm.org.uk) 57 What the dat a says Ł Disabled people account for less than 9% of WMCA jour neys. The drop in usage by disabled people hasn't recovered since covid. Ł Majorit y of journeys by disabled people is bus, closely followed by train. Ł Over 40% of British Rail Stations do not have step free access from pavement to platform. Tr anspor t for West Midlands has 87% of its Rail St at ions step free . This equates to 6 stations. Ł While step free access to platform is improving, access to trains still rely on ramps and this can be a challenge for disabled people and sta˛. Ł Disabled people face signi˜cant anxiet y around receiving suppor t to get on and o˛ trains. There are 5 di˚erent t ypes of ramps and correct positioning of ramps can be a challenge and requires additional sta˛ training. Ł Two thirds of disabled people experience at least one problem during their rail journey. These are not listed but does state majorit y are on the train it self. Ł Disabled people in WMCA are less likely than England average to have access to a car , yet also since Covid are using public transpor t less. How are they getting around? Ł 2.5 7m blue badges in England which is an increase of 5.7% since March 22. 1 27,874 of these are in WMCA which is just under 5%. Ł Disabled people feel less safe in their communities to walk, wheel or cycle . Ł O ther major concerns of disabled people are access to pavement s, from uneven pavements, bins, cars, A-sign adver tising. This is having an impact on the con˜dence of disabled people leaving their front door. fiPeople would r ather a cute baby get on the bus than a person in a wheelchair. Even though I know my right s, I feel bad and feel judged and just give up and wait for the nex t busfl. Disabled Person ( WMCA Disabled People's Voice Report 2024) 28.2% of WMCA disabled households have no access to a car or van (compared to 27.7% England-wide) 58 Modes of Tr anspor t that disabled people would like to see improved and more accessible in West Midlands. 0% Table 8- The di˚erent tr anspor t types that disabled people want improved (Disabled People's Voices Repor t 2024) Image Description: The bar chart displays preferences for transpor t modes that respondents would like improved and made more accessible in the West Midlands. The most popular response is Bus (62%) and Train (47%) which are public transport ser vices, as well as Access to Pavement s (34%). The lowest proportions are in Micromobility ( 7%), Other (9%) and Wheeling (9%). (9% would like to see improved walking and 2 1% would like to see better cycle routes (Better Infrastructure for emission free travel). 2 0% 5 0% 1 0% Public Tr ansport Ser vices All Other Pr ivate Transpor t Measures and Taxis 4 0% 3 0% 70 % 6 0% Bu s Train Access to Pavements Metro Cycling and cycle routes Taxis Walking Cars Wheeling O ther Micromobility 59 Jour neys for Ever yone: Opport unities for Act ion This ambition and Opportunities for Action were created by the Disability Working Group and have been used to shape recommendations within this repor t. These also show the connection to the Inclusive Grow th Framework (IGF), where relevant. Ambit ion: A strategic approach to understanding the barriers and good practice in delivering the transport needs of disabled people between planners, transport providers, and health and adult social care to enable all disabled people to be better connected. Opport unity To launch and monitor a Transpor t design and Inclusivit y Char ter & request transpor t providers sign up for inclusive, safe, and accessible transpor t at all stages from planning, deliver y, and operation. Educate all in the right s of disabled people and make complaint s process easy and supportive. To commit to equalising provision for free carer transpor t across the region to enable them to get around and provide better care for disabled people. Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) -The needs of disabled people not always considered when developing solutions. +Will be able to see what works at a regional level and gather granular data on what isn't working. Disabled voices are heard, and changes are made, leading to greater access to oppor tunities. IGF: Connected Communities -Disabled people and providers not knowing the right s of disabled people meaning they are disadvantaged and more likely to have fur ther negative experiences. +Disabled voices are heard, and changes are made. Broader understanding in societ y leading to change in attitudes. Providers better understand what they must / should / could provide and the bene˜t it has on both the disabled person and the business. IGF: Education and Learning -Disabled people who require a carer / personal assistant have to pay for them to travel with them adding to the additional cost s they incur just to live at same standard as non-disabled people. +Greater access to oppor tunities for disabled people. Increases mobilit y of the actual and perceived value in care work. IGF: Equalit y 60 Opport unity To work towards removing the time restrictions on disabled people's bus passes so that there are equitable oppor tunities for ever yone to get around, and access ser vices, work, and other oppor tunities. To improve the inclusivity, safety, and accessibilit y of active travel routes for all, by using universal design principles and existing enforcement options, coupled with a commitment to a more inclusive cycle hire scheme (adaptable bikes) and behaviour change investment to get more disabled people walking, wheeling, and cycling. Invest in transpor t providers and planners to use connected technologies such as mobilit y aids& universal design as part of a wider behaviour change programme to make public transpor t easier, safer and to improve user con˜dence. Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) Disabled people who are for tunate enough to get a job are more likely to be paid less, face additional cost s to have the same quality of life as a non-disabled person, then have to pay to get to work. +Disabled people have greater oppor tunities for good employment. Societ y bene˜t s from a higher employment rate. -Disabled people feeling isolated as they do not feel safe leaving their home, or if they do leave their home face multiple challenges just to navigate the environment around them. +Greater access to oppor tunities for disabled people. Active travel bene˜t s- physical activit y, environmental. Suppor ting societal attitude changes -Disabled people lack con˜dence or ser vices not in place to suppor t them. +Greater access to oppor tunities for disabled people. Fewer barriers for all, Improved wellbeing of disabled people, as journeys are less stressful fiChoice and control over what happens to me. I am a person not a collection of symptomsfl Disabled person. ( WMCA Disabled Person's Voice Repor t 2024). 61 Jour neys for Ever yone: Recommendat ions The following recommendations are for the WMCA, but this work is only possible with a collective approach. These are recommendations as areas that will create a positive move towards becoming an exemplary region. The WMCA will work with other organisations to make their own decision on how to engage. Code T1 T2 T3 Recommendat ion To embed inclusive design and coproduction into TfWM regional Design Guidance. Embedding core inclusive principles into TfWM Functional Strategy where appropriate. E.g. improve the inclusivit y, safety, and accessibilit y of new and existing active travel routes by using universal accessible design principles and a more inclusive cycle hire scheme and long-term behaviour change funding to get more disabled people walking, wheeling, and cycling. To develop, implement and evaluate a regional Transpor t Design and Inclusivit y Charter as part of the TfWM Accessibilit y Strategy and Design Guidance, focusing on inclusive, safe, and accessible transpor t at all stages from planning, deliver y, and operation. To ensure disabilit y representation sit s on TfWM Design Panel to champion inclusivit y, safet y, and accessibilit y in our future development s and designs. For example, ˝oating bus stops creating unsafe space for visually impaired people or level boarding project s for train accessibilit y. To review existing guidance and asset s and explore how to embed the latest inclusive best practice. To consider a centralised complaint s system and process, which provides a simple route for passengers to complain or raise issues around ser vice provision. For disabled people this needs to be supplemented with transpor t providers raising awareness of disabled people's rights. To ensure any future supported Travel Policies review / concessionar y review includes a focus on free transport for carers of disabled people and removing time restrictions on disabled people's bus passes. Explore oppor tunities to pilot and evaluate the cost bene˜t s of free transpor t for carers of disabled people and ending the time restrictions on disabled people's bus passes (e.g. young disabled people into employment). 62 Code T4 T5 T6 T7 Recommendat ion Test and trial technology-based solutions to making travel easier, safer, and more welcoming for disabled people ensuring lessons learnt are embedded into practice. To strive to be the ˜rst ‚step free' from pavement to platform train station region. To develop an inclusive EV Charging infrastr ucture. To in˝uence government to ensure grant conditions allow decision makers to embed more sustainable and accessible infrastructure in both design and deliver y 62 63 63 64 Chapter 7 - Health, Social Care and Wellbeing The inequalities disabled people face across all areas of life impact their health and well-being. Health is a fundamental component that must be considered in all policies. Adopting this health in all policies approach provides better ser vices, improved systems, and societal changes. This repor t and the work undertaken so far demonstrate what Health in All Policies means for disabled people. O ften health is seen as the responsibility of the NHS or social care, however, these are just aspects of health that have a much clearer alignment to health outcomes. There is also the need to focus on the elements that are more aligned to health outcomes as these equally have inequalities for disabled people. Table 9- The determinant s of Health Image Description: Picture of a silhouette of person with di˛erent % of them coloured di˛erently to represent how they access healthcare: 40% Socioeconomic factors e.g.: Education, Job Status, Social Suppor t, Income, Communit y Safet y, 1 0% Physical environment, 30% Health B ehaviours e.g.: Tobacco use, diet and exercise and alcohol use, 20% Access to Healthcare. This shows that 80% of what makes up someone's health is determined out side of healthcare. 65 Disabled people score worse on ALL Wellbeing indicators than their non - disabled counterparts What the dat a says Ł West Midlands disabled people score lower than disabled UK average for happiness and anxiety but slightly higher than the average for life satisfact ion. Ł Gap between disabled and non-disabled people was larger across happiness, life satisfact ion and anxiet y. Ł Disabled people are less likely to feel they are given the oppor t unity to be physically act ive than non-disabled people. Ł The cost of living is impact ing on activit y levels for disabled people more than non-disabled people. Ł Disabled people want to be act ive. Ł 3 7% wor r y about losing bene˜ts from being active. Ł Disabled people in West Midlands not only feel lonely most or all the t ime compared to non-disabled people but also than the England average for disabled people. 66 Table 10: L oneliness in the West Midlands- WMCA Disability Needs Assessment Dat a Report 2024) Image Description: Bar graph showing the proportion of individuals who feel lonely all or most of the time. Disabled People in west Midlands 16.8%, Disabled People in England 15.1%, Non-disabled people in West Midlands 3.6%, non-disabled people in England 3.6% Ł WMCA disability-free life expectancy is getting worse for both males and females. Ł Despite all the inequalities disabled people are more likely to be involved in civic par ticipation than non-disabled people. Loneliness in West Midlands 202 1 People with feelings of loneliness often/always Disabled people in West Mids 1 6.8 % Disabled people in England 1 5.1% Non-Disabled people in West Mids 3 .6 % Non-Disabled people in England 3 .6 % Respondent: fiCommunit y Dental Ser vices are properly Autism informed but they seem to be the only ones who are.fl Respondent: fi What has been positive about my experiences in health and well-being is me being able to do my volunteering and being able to enjoy my social life and my activities.fl Respondent: fiMy local council run gym has 3 accessible pieces of equipment.fl Respondent: fi The interaction with my GP around my mental illness and the care and consideration they display when in consultation has been positive.fl What has been positive about your experiences within Health and Wellbeing? 67 Health, Social Care and Wellbeing: Opport unities for Action This ambition and Opportunities for Action were created by the Disability Working Group and have been used to shape recommendations within this repor t. These also show the connection to the Inclusive Grow th Framework (IGF), where relevant. Ambit ion: A regional cross-sector and stakeholder on collective action to improve the health and social care outcomes for disabled people Opport unity To ensure GPs and other health professionals use an annual Health Checklist with disabled patient s to for example address social isolation, referring them to local relevant opportunities e.g., culture, ar t s, and spor t. Ensure Person-centred care is prioritised to ensure needs are understood and suppor t is more e˛ective by convening health and social care par tners with disabled people. To deliver an awareness campaign for health ser vice providers to boost their understanding of the social model of disabilit y rather than the medical, contributing to improving health and wellbeing.delayed hospital discharge. Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) -Disabled people accessing Health checks but not being referred to potential solutions. Possible issues with accessibilit y. +Disabled people will get suppor t for mental health& build social connections. Referrals to other support. Savings in primar y care. IGF: Equalit y, Health, and Wellbeing -Equal level of care is given to ever ybody, not accounting that some may require more to receive the same. Challenge of changing behaviours/knowledge. +B etter care for disabled people. Reduced stress for disabled people knowing their needs will be met. Savings if those in urgent care settings are in other suppor tive care/ at home. IGF: Equalit y, Health, and Wellbeing -Disabilit y is seen as a problem that needs to be ˜xed. Ownership is on disabled person. It is your disabilit y your condition. It is your problem. +Disabled people are listened to and able to decide what happens. More e˛ective suppor t when needs are understood. 68 Opport unity In˝uence par tners to use accessible information standards so that disabled people who are parent s /carers are treated fairly and able to suppor t those they have caring responsibilities for. To understand the barriers and enablers to get more disabled people active, reducing the fear of losing bene˜t s if they are perceived to be too active. To deliver a regional social media campaign to improve the status and recognition of those working as Carers Encourage young people to experience work in adult social care or with disabled people to inspire potential ca re e r s to re duce youth unemployment, while educating about disabilit y. To improve the number of disabled people getting active, taking par t in culture by improving accessible design standards to all facilities and active travel routes. Challenges (-) and B ene˜t s (+) -Disabled parent s are made to feel inadequate and need to rely on another when they can't access information regarding the person they care for. +Possible challenge of resources to implement, lack of knowledge. Removal of barriers so disabled people can equally access oppor tunities and services -Disabled People are less active, increasing health inequalities and health related issues. +Removing this concern would encourage more people to be active including through active travel. -Carers not recognised for the great work they do. +Providing good employment. Ensuring safe personalised care for those who need it. -People do not want to be there and do not engage. +Improve young people's awareness around disabilit y. Potentially increase the number of people interested in a career in ca re. -Disabilit y not considered a priorit y and focus is placed elsewhere. +Removal of barriers to disabled people being more active/using active travel. Regional in˝uence directly suppor ting resident s. Environmental& health bene˜t s of active travel. fiNaked in front of str anger s. When my carers are changing all the time, sometimes I'm just sitting there in front of someone about to care for me and I don't even know their name.fl Disabled Person ( WMCA Disabled Person's Voice Report 2024). 69 Health, Social Care and Wellbeing: Recommendat ions The following recommendations are for the WMCA, but this work is only possible with a collective approach. These are recommendations as areas that will create a positive move towards becoming an exemplary region. The WMCA will work with other organisations to make their own decision on how to engage. Code HW1 HW2 HW3 HW4 HW5 HW6 Recommendat ion To explore how the Annual Health Checks can be delivered to an approved standard to support the improvement of the number of suitable referrals to address social isolation, mental wellbeing and improved health using culture, ar ts, spor ts, and physical activit y. To understand how person-centred care can be prioritised to ensure needs of disabled people are understood and suppor t is more e˛ective. To consider the bene˜t of removing the suspension of care plans on admission to hospital. So that there is improved suppor t for individuals whilst in hospital and reducing delays in discharge. To suppor t improving accessible information standards. Enabling disabled people who are parent s /carers to receive information in an appropriate format for those they care for. E.g. visually impaired mother receiving large print letters for daughters' appointment. To create a Community of Practice between commissioners to ensure consistent and joined up working and investigate ways of cost saving. E.g. Consistent provision across Wheelchair Ser vices. To Explore the implementation of Technology based social care solutions based on ˜ndings from national and local pilot s such as: Adult Social Care Technology Enabled Care Pilot. Working towards increasing independence, reducing caseloads, and providing cost saving bene˜t s, without reduction of essential suppor t. 70 Code HW7 HW8 HW9 Recommendat ion To deliver an awareness campaign for health service providers to raise their understanding of the need to use medical model of disability alongside the social model of disabilit y for example referring people to improve their wellbeing. To develop career pathways to encourage young people to under take work experience in Adult Social Care or with disabled people to inspire potential careers to reduce youth unemployment, while educating about disability. Highlighting health bene˜t to ES1 0 recommendation. To lead research to understand the barriers and enablers to get more disabled people active without fear of losing bene˜t s and use the ˜ndings to inform discussions with DWP, spor t par tners and disabled people on communications and behaviour change. 70 71 71 72 Chapter 8 - Conclusion and Nex t Steps The Exemplary Region Report evidences the scale and the complexit y of the challenge in addressing the stark inequalities that many of the 500,000 plus disabled people in the region, face principally ever y day. This complexity is compounded when the insight and evidence from disabled people tells us that not one action can be done in isolation. It is the sca˛olding of improved transport, improved access to health and social care, safe and accessible environment s and homes that may help more disabled people in to work. The Opportunities for Action are drawn from the data and its analysis and the lived experience of disabled people and networks across the region. They are the current actions that have been identi˜ed that would lead to improvement s in ser vice deliver y, and in opportunities. These are not exhaustive, and their achievement will show progress towards an exemplar y region, but cer tainly not the endpoint. This work will evolve as governance approval is achieved, consensus gained, actions tested and implemented, funding sought and learning shared. This report evidences the value of adopting a regional approach to develop a regional understanding of the health inequalities experienced by population cohor t s. The Disabilit y Working Group and the ongoing consultation with Local Authorities and other stakeholders including disabled people, evidence that there is some meaningful traction already to take this work forward. This work must be taken forward with disabled people, strengthening their voices in the future decisions in the region and this is why disabled people's voice and net work is fundamental to taking this work forward. This report's nex t steps are to: Ł To get WMCA governance approval and continue with consultation with stakeholders to gain commitment from across the region to work towards an exemplar y region and take forward these actions. This requires champions across the region to in˝uence the policy and practice levers to enable deliver y, strengthen disabled people's voice in future decision-making, gain consensus for work and be held accountable for the deliver y of this report's actions. We do need a cross-stakeholder WMCA Implementation Group to champion this work. Ł We also recognise that several of the recommendations may require future additional ˜nance, which will be explored through appropriate channels, with business cases developed for each. There are also recommendations that do not need signi˜cant resources, other than a shared commitment to do something di˛erent or new such as the accessible housing register. It will be the taskforce/commissioner 's role to make this happen. 73 In making this happen, the taskforce/commissioner will consider the Disability Working Groups recommended principles in how and why the actions are taken for ward: 1. Expect complexity. There are signi˜cant complexities in making changes as disability covers so many di˛erent impairments and individual needs can be very di˛erent, coupled with the intersection of race, gender, age and where people live. 2.Co-product ion and amplifying the voices of disabled people are essential. Large-scale collective e˛or t is needed to empower people to play their par t from localit y to region. Disabled people must be involved at all stages of the process if we are going to deliver long term sustainable change. While the voices of those with the con˜dence, the compassion, and the determination to be heard is important, there are so many disabled people that do not have the same opportunit y, platform, or knowledge of where or how to be heard. The views of the fiseldom heardfl are just as, if not more, important. All disabled people representatives should be renumerated for their time sharing their lived experience and exper tise, as part of a commitment to co-production and design. 3. B e prepared to learn when things don't go right. Changing how things are done can be tricky, especially when working with many di˛erent partners with di˛ering challenges. Learning from what doesn't work is as valuable as celebrating when things go well. Also, disabled people are not one homogenous group that all require the same developments. Each impairment is di˛erent and even people with the same impairment may require di˛erent things. Then add in other characteristics, life circumstances and it is likely not every thing will be right for ever yone all the time. The key to this is being open to tr ying to make things better, listening to the voice of disabled people, to tr ying to meet individual needs as best as possible through universal design. 4. Use your convening power and policy lever s to make change happen Ensuring this repor t is used to make decisions, act, and collaborate with others is key. Join the WMCA on the journey of Making the West Midlands an Exemplary Region for Disabled People. We look for ward to working with stakeholders to understand the par t they can play in completing this jigsaw puzzle. Let's all connect together and make a signi˜cant step towards an exemplary region that enables disabled people in the region to thrive. 74 Re sou rces 1 . D isabilit y Needs Assessment- Evidenc e Base (data, intelligence and analysis report including data sourc es) 2. D isabled Peoples' Voic e Report 2024 3. Acc essible Housing Summary Repor t 4. Ac cessible Housing Technical Repor t 1 JP Landman Economics' key disabilit y ˜ndings 2 STAMINA, BREATHING AND FATIGUE IMPAIRMENTS A Pro˜le using the Family Resources Sur vey 2019-20 Ben Baumberg Geiger (University of Kent /King's College London), August 2022 3 mental-health-repor t.pdf (wmca.org.uk) 4 West Midlands Mental Health Commission: One Year On progress repor t (wmca.org.uk) 5 Disability Con˜dent. Gov.uk 6 Birmingham City Council in Depth Impairment speci˜c Needs Assessments 7 Government Analysis Function. Impairment harmonised standard. Accessed Jul 2024. 8 Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): Extra help- GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 9 Excludes large companies with head o˚ces out side the region. 1 0 Landman Economics' key ˜ndings 11 Local Transport Plan- Related Document s | Transpor t for West Midlands (tfwm.org.uk)