Assessment concerns for Welsh clients

Disability groups in Wales have voiced concerns about councils’ plans to bring some medical assessments for clients back in house.

The move could see a councilemployed doctor, nurse or occupational therapist carry out medical assessments of people applying for such things as “blue badge” parking permits and housing adaptations.

Currently, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea councils are looking at the idea but others are expected to follow suit. GPs have traditionally done the assessments for a low fee set nationally, but a recent legal ruling means they could now significantly increase their charges or withdraw from providing the service.

Such a change is worrying because the assessment could be used to ration services, said Graham Findlay, access officer at Disability Wales.