Disabled people in England face up to two year wheelchair waits
A parliamentary ombudsman report reveals that disabled people across England are waiting up to two years for wheelchairs due to delays involving NHS bodies and private manufacturers.
Delays impact daily lives severely
Paula Sussex, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman for England, stated that hold-ups are limiting independent living. Complaints rose from eight in 2020-21 to 110 in 2025-26 according to her investigation. Four out of five complaints relate to private firms supplying at least half of all devices. Most cases involve waits exceeding the supposed 18-week maximum limit for receiving a device or parts.
Specific cases show long waits
A three-year-old boy with cerebral palsy could not start nursery because he waited seven months for his chair. His parents used an adapted buggy until then, causing him to hurt himself several times from falls. Elliot Cruz Gardiyanoglu was six now but missed education and therapy while waiting at age three. Graham Woolner received a non-working chair in September 2024 after being promised one by August 2023.
Charities warn of dangers
Rachel Perrin from Newlife charity noted that wrong equipment keeps families trapped at home and unable to attend school. She warned that no wheelchair can be dangerous as well as preventing participation in activities with friends. Nick Goldup of the Wheelchair Alliance said getting provision right gives people freedom to contribute meaningfully to society.
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