The Tynwald Advisory Council on Disabilities has unanimously agreed its structure is outdated and the group will be disbanded.

Instead, as part of work connected with the Equality Act, a review will be set up to find the most effective way of engaging with all interested individuals and groups, and ensure meaningful dialogue with charities and other bodies is strengthened and maintained.

Council member David Gawne said: ’The council has played an effective role over the years in addressing and driving forward many issues around disability, but the time is now right to adopt a different approach which will better serve the needs of the disabled community.

’The new equality legislation gives the opportunity for carrying out such a review and the third sector looks forward to working with government in developing that new approach.’

The council was established as a result of the introduction of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act of 1981. Many of the functions and aims of that law will be met by the Equality Act and other more modern legislation.

The proposed repeal of the 1981 Act and the council has been agreed by council members in discussion with Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK. The standing down of the council would follow on from that.

Mr Thomas said: ’So many Tynwald Advisory Council members have contributed so much over many years, but the council has now done the job it was set up to do.’

He added: ’I look forward to working with our equality champion, Jane Poole-Wilson MLC, and the recently appointed equality advisor, Dawn Kinnish, to make sure that those who need their voice heard about Equality Act implementation and connected issues can get their voice heard.’