The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, of which Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston is a member, released its report on access to sports stadia for people with disabilities this week. There are 11.9 million disabled people in the UK, 19% of the population; 6.5 million have a mobility impairment, 4.5 million have problems with stamina/breathing/fatigue, 2.1 million a mental health problem, 1.9 million a memory impairment, 1.7 million a hearing impairment, 1.5 million a visual impairment, and 1.5 million learning difficulties. The report looks to address the specific needs of these people in accessing sporting events.
Whilst the Committee applauds the efforts of a number of football, rugby union, rugby league and county cricket clubs, the findings generally showed a clear deficiency in the provision of disabled access by clubs. With the enormously increased revenues of sports teams, particularly Premier League football clubs, in recent years, the Committee were particularly critical of the failure of many clubs to implement even basic adaptations over the last 20 years.
Of particular concern was the tendency amongst clubs to prioritise finance and the expansion of hospitality facilities over improving access. This was evident in the development of the Olympic Stadium by West Ham, with some wheelchair spaces being allocated for shared use with hospitality seating. The Committee says it expects the needs of disabled fans to receive priority over the desire to charge a premium for extra hospitality accommodation, and, given the huge public investment in converting the Olympic Stadium into a Premier League football ground, says that all the partners involved should ensure that West Ham becomes an exemplar regarding disabled access.
When giving evidence to the Committee, the Premier League suggested it would consider imposing sanctions on clubs that fail to provide a minimum standard of accessibility. The Premier League’s Executive Director Bill Bush said over the weekend that the league’s board can impose fines of up to £25,000, while cases of serious breaches would be referred to an independent panel - which could impose heavier fines or even deduct points. The report, however, reveals that the Committee is unconvinced that Premier League sanctions will be sufficient, given two decades of relative inactivity by the football leagues on this issue.
Nigel Huddleston MP said: “Given that there are nearly 12 million disabled people in the UK, it is fair and reasonable that this large section of population should have full access to enjoy live sport. Lots of promises have been made by clubs in various sports, particularly football, in the last few years, but this report shows that they are not on track to deliver as promised. The report is intended to highlight current failings, but also encourage and incentivise clubs to do the right thing and enable all sports fans to enjoy supporting their clubs.”