4.In July 1998, the Government issued a consultation paper on the role and functions of the proposed DRC (Cm 3977 “Promoting disabled people’s rights - Creating a Disability Rights Commission fit for the 21st Century”). It sought views by 16 October 1998.
5.The DDA 1995 provides for the establishment of the National Disability Council (NDC). Like the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), this body provides advice to the Secretary of State concerning matters within its field of expertise. Like those bodies it also has functions in connection with the preparation of codes of practice. Unlike them, however, the NDC cannot initiate litigation nor support individuals seeking to enforce rights nor does it have powers of investigation.
6.This Act abolishes the NDC, replaces it with the DRC and confers upon the new body expanded functions akin to those of the CRE and EOC. Like the NDC before it, the DRC will cover England, Scotland and Wales.
Background