The government is setting up a new Office for Disability Issues to tackle discrimination against the disabled.

Announcing details of the new unit, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Blunkett said it would drive action and delivery across government, linking with the work of the Disability Rights Commission to ensure equality across society.

Blunkett said: “Every person with a disability should have the power to choose the support and services they need from a wide range of possibilities that exist within a given community… This programme will be co-ordinated by an Office for Disability Issues which will be established later this year.”

The move is part of the government's 20-year strategy to build on rights for people with disabilities by reforming the way local public services are delivered. The strategy aims to centre on the consumer, individual needs, funded through transparent, individualised budgets.