South Lanarkshire Council appoints Scotland's first Spokesman for Disabilities

South Lanarkshire Council has become the first in Scotland to appoint a Spokesperson for Disabilities.

The role was confirmed at a recent meeting of the full council following motion by Councillor Robert Brown to look at improving conditions for partially sighted people. An amendment was then put forward suggesting the appointment of a Spokesperson for Disabilities.

Cllr Gerry Convery, the chair of the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, has been appointed to the role and is “delighted” by the move.

He said: “I am delighted to have been selected to take on this new role.

“The initial motion proposed by Cllr Brown and seconded by Cllr Archer was a very positive one and they are to be commended for the work they have done.

“However I think the amendment fully embraces the council’s commitment to the equalities agenda and does not single out one particular group.

“As a council we are already carrying out a tremendous amount of work to ensure we go above and beyond what is required to meet disabled people’s legislation.

“The creation of this new role will further enhance the work we are doing.”