To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported comments by Glasgow Disability Alliance that the disability equality plan lacks the ambition, meaningful actions or commitments needed to improve disabled people’s lives. (S6O-03745)

I greatly value the expertise and advocacy provided by disabled people’s organisations including Glasgow Disability Alliance. We are absolutely committed to improving the lives of disabled people and furthering disability equality, and we will continue to work closely with them on the disability equality plan, which is aimed at tackling systemic barriers that affect the daily lives of disabled people.

We have already delivered progress by reopening the independent living fund to new applicants for the first time since 2010, investing £5 million of our equality and human rights fund to improve outcomes for disabled people, and working with energy suppliers on the co-design of a social tariff for energy.

The minister will be aware that disabled people in Scotland feel terribly let down. A sum of £10 million was taken away from changing places toilets a couple of weeks ago, and two possible bills have been put into the long grass. More than ever, the disabled community feels left behind and marginalised in society. Will the minister commit to a cross-party meeting with some of the key stakeholders, so that we can put the issue back on track and move it forward quickly?

I thank Jeremy Balfour for highlighting the concerns of disabled people’s organisations, which I acknowledge. I also thank him for sharing my commitment to pursuing equality for disabled people and his offer of further engagement on a cross-party basis, which I accept. I encourage members from across parties to contact my office so that we can make that happen.