31/10/05 - Draft Revised DDA Part 3 Code of Practice

The Disability Discrimination Act, 2005, is an Amendment Act,  It does not replace the Disability Discrimination Act, 1995, but amends parts of it, and plugs some gaps in it with new additions.  A draft Code of Practice is set to revise the existing Part 3 Code to reflect the changes, most of which will come into effect in December 2006.  These changes affect:

• public authorities, some of whose functions had previously not been covered by the Act.
• private clubs whose activities regarding their members had previously not been covered by the Act.
• the housing sector, with important new duties being placed on those letting, controlling and managing property.

There are no changes to the duties of those already covered by Part 2 of the DDA (for example service providers such as shops and restaurants).

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is keen to seek views on this draft Code of Practice.  It is very important for the DRC to receive views in particular from those with an involvement in public authorities, the housing sector, private clubs and disabled people themselves.  The consultation period ends on 14th November 2005.

The draft document can be ordered form the DRC by telephoning 08457 622633 or downloaded at
www.drc-gb.org/thelaw/consultation.asp