Unreasonable Adjustments

Terry5262
Terry5262 Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited July 28 in Everyday life

The Equalities Act refers to "Reasonable Adjustments". I cannot find anything about how you deal with "Unreasonable Adjustments". so wonder legally how they fit in.

I ask because my local authority has made a street no loading/unloading so effectively banning Blue Badge holders from parking outside the biggest medical centre in the town. It was previously double yellow lines with the maximum 3 hour parking limit for Blue Badge Holders. This also bans accessible taxis and the local accessible transport service from dropping off people there legally.

So i am wondering what part of the Equality Act or any other law I can quote to the council to get them to change.

I am at stage 2 of the council complaints procedure so will get a response to next month. Replies up to now must have been either bluff or the writers do not understand the needs of disabled or frail people.

Comments

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 9,130 Online Community Team

    Hi @Terry5262, welcome to the community! Well done for speaking up on this, it sounds like a problem that will make things really difficult for people with accessibility needs. I'm not too sure on the legality of the situation myself I'm afraid. A lot of accessibility adjustments focus on the building, so the parking and drop off access might be more of a grey area.

    You could try contacting the Equality and Advisory Support Service to see if they can help advise on the situation: Equality Advisory and Support Service

    Have you had any involvement with your local MP or just the council? I wonder if they might be able to assist you with the case too.

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 3,683 Connected

    Call me cynical but I've been saying for years that "reasonable adjustments" are a total cop out because what's reasonable is open to interpretation at the employer's discretion, which almost never benefits the potential or actual employee etc.

  • Terry5262
    Terry5262 Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    I went the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Downloaded the booklets stating what LA's should no. I then went to the Equality Advisory and Support Service and discussed the matter with them. They said I have a good case and should considered the Ombudsman or a Judicial Review. I am currently at Stage Two with my LA's complaints procedure so if that isn't successful I will go to the ombudsman.

    By the way the local Dial A Ride has been effectively banned and accessible taxis.. The pharmacy deliveries cannot park outside now either. I did an FOI. in the Year to August 2025 they issued 2 parking tickets here. Since then then have issued 395. Total potential earning of £28,000 per year compared to £140 the previous year.

    Also a barrister suggested going to court too as it is a breach of the Equality Act in his view.

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