12 December 2006
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to provide free monkeys on the NHS."
Read the Government’s response
While we are aware of similar initiatives already in existence, the Government does not currently have any plans to make monkeys available to people with disabilities.
The Government’s policy is to improve the life chances of people with disabilities by promoting their inclusion and participation in community life, and control over their lives. Individuals should be able to participate in the activities other people take for granted, like getting a job, travelling, raising a family or going out with friends.
The Government is committed to improving the health and well being of the population through a health and social care system, which is provided equally to those who need it, is truly person centred and supports independent living.
We believe people with disabilities should live in their communities near to their families and friends, as far as possible. Agencies should support people to live in their own homes with equipment, adaptations and services as necessary to suit their individual needs and lifestyles.
In 2005 the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit published a report entitled Improving the Life chances of Disabled People. This sets out a 20-year strategy with some 60 recommendations. It focuses on independent living including individual budgets; person centred planning and self-assessment enabling choice and control for disabled people. We wish to promote independent living. It is not just about being able to live in your own home, although that is often part of it for many disabled people. Rather, independent living is about giving people choice, empowerment and freedom. The report is available on the Strategy Unit’s website (opens in new window)
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