Accessible for Who? A Local Look at Disability Barriers in 2025

Recently, I spoke with a local resident living with multiple health conditions who had been unable to book a doctor’s appointment online. The system was confusing, the options unclear, and the issue they needed help with wasn’t even listed. Without digital confidence or support, they were left feeling shut out and helpless. Stories like this are not rare — and they highlight a wider problem. Through ongoing conversations with disabled people in our community, I hope we can be the catalyst for meaningful change across Leicestershire and South Derbyshire.

A recent study by Historic England found that 41% of potential visitors to heritage sites were deterred by accessibility issues, including a lack of clear information and physical barriers. This is particularly relevant to historic areas like Leicestershire and South Derbyshire, where older public buildings often present challenges such as steep staircases and uneven thresholds. While councils like Leicestershire and South Derbyshire are actively working to improve access, they acknowledge the inherent difficulties of adapting historic structures. However, success stories like the installation of a lift at Loughborough Central station prove that accessibility is achievable with careful planning.

Public transport gaps are a significant issue in Leicestershire and South Derbyshire, particularly in rural areas, which lack direct bus services to major towns. Passengers are often forced to take indirect routes or change buses, causing frustration and stress. This problem is compounded by a lack of reliability and frequent service cancellations, a key issue highlighted in Leicestershire County Council's 2024 transport plan. To address this, councils are exploring Demand Responsive Transport services, such as "FoxConnect," and working to modernise bus fleets with improved accessibility features. The new East Midlands Combined County Authority offers hope for future investment and a more integrated regional network.

According to recent research from the UK government’s Disability Unit, the retail sector is a significant challenge for disabled people. The research found that 65% of disabled people faced barriers when shopping in-store, the highest of any sector. These issues, particularly difficult for shoppers without a companion, stem from physical obstacles in older buildings on high streets and a widespread lack of staff training. Studies show that 70% of disabled people encounter problems completing transactions, with staff often providing insufficient support, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed. While cities like Leicester have some positive initiatives, such as Shopmobility, a coordinated effort focused on in-store assistance and staff training remains a notable gap.

Recent delays in government funding for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are causing significant setbacks for disabled people in Leicestershire and South Derbyshire awaiting home adaptations. An Ombudsman complaint from late 2024 against South Derbyshire District Council revealed issues with contractor delays and poor workmanship, highlighting the real-world impact of a flawed system. While Leicestershire’s Lightbulb service aims to streamline the process, a recent review in early 2025 noted its own administrative hurdles, contributing to “elongated” timescales for applications. These systemic issues – from funding bottlenecks to local administrative challenges – create considerable stress for residents trying to make their homes accessible.

Accessible private hire and taxis for disabled people are a significant challenge in Leicestershire and South Derbyshire. A key problem is the low number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) in the fleets, often compounded by local licensing policies that make it financially difficult for operators to invest in them. Although councils maintain lists of WAVs and require driver training, the availability of these vehicles can be limited, especially in rural areas or for spontaneous journeys. This results in long waiting times and unreliability. While councils are reviewing policies to encourage more accessible vehicles, this remains a considerable barrier to independent travel for many disabled residents.

Disabled people in Leicestershire and South Derbyshire face significant digital and communication gaps with public services, including the NHS. The push for “digital-first” services, such as online appointment booking, often excludes those lacking internet access, digital skills, or confidence. A 2025 report from the Good Things Foundation confirms that a third of digitally excluded people find it difficult to interact with NHS services. Furthermore, online systems are often inaccessible due to poor design, creating barriers for people using assistive technologies. This over-reliance on digital platforms has also led to a decline in traditional, non-digital services, leaving many without an effective way to access vital support.

This deep dive makes one thing clear: accessibility gaps in Leicestershire and South Derbyshire are wide, systemic, and of urgent focus. Public transport is unreliable and inaccessible, shopping environments are often overwhelming, and digital services present significant barriers. While some local authorities and partnerships are making progress, these improvements are not enough. It's time for local councils and MPs to recognise that with public will, these gaps can be closed. We must demand faster action. Share your story with local representatives and push for a truly inclusive future for everyone.