Tax breaks are being proposed for businesses to help them with the costs of improving access to premises for disabled people.

The Disability Rights Commission and a coalition of business groups led by the Confederation of British Industry have set out their suggestion in a joint letter to the paymaster general.

Under part three of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, businesses need to make their services accessible to disabled people, which for many will mean adapting existing premises.

The DRC believes that these changes will be made more quickly if businesses are given tax breaks.

"From 2004, many businesses will need to be making their buildings accessible for disabled customers and tax incentives for companies making such provision will significantly help offset the initial costs of this," explained DRC chairperson Bert Massie.