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Government refusing to build accessible homes
On Monday 20 October and Wednesday the 22 October, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will enter its final debate stages in Parliament.
Although there was an early promise to review the need for wheelchair accessible housing to be mandated, the government has failed to meaningfully address this issue in the Bill’s development.
There are over 400,000 wheelchair users that are living in homes that are neither adapted nor accessible. This is unacceptable, how are disabled wheelchair users expected to meaningfully contribute to society when a large proportion can’t even navigate their own home.
On Wednesday 22 October at 11am we will be gathering on Parliament Square to call on the government to make a genuine and urgent commitment to increasing the supply of wheelchair accessible homes.
Nearest accessible station is Westminster underground on the Circle and District line. Contact [email protected] if you require more information.
Why wheelchair accessible housing is not a luxury, but a right
Mandating wheelchair accessible housing within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) would be a significant step towards addressing the under-supply of accessible homes in England. This policy change would require all new housing developments to include a proportion of homes that meet the highest accessibility standards, specifically M4(3) standards for wheelchair user dwellings.
Impact of mandating wheelchair accessible housing
- Increased supply of accessible homes: By mandating that a certain percentage of new homes be built to M4(3) standards, the overall supply of wheelchair accessible housing would increase. This would help to meet the current and future demand for accessible homes, ensuring that more disabled people have access to suitable housing.
- Consistency across regions: A national mandate would create consistency across local authorities, ensuring that all regions adhere to the same standards. This would eliminate the current patchwork of requirements and provide a level playing field for developers.
- Cost savings: Building homes to be wheelchair accessible from the outset is more cost-effective than retrofitting existing homes. Research has shown that adapting an existing home can exceed the total cost of building an accessible home. This would result in long-term savings for both individuals and the government.
- Health and wellbeing: Accessible housing can significantly improve the health and wellbeing of disabled individuals. It allows them to live more independently, reduces the need for residential care, and supports better health outcomes. This, in turn, can reduce the burden on the NHS and social care services.
- Economic benefits: Increasing the supply of accessible homes can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in the construction and housing sectors. It also supports the development of inclusive communities, which can attract a diverse population and foster economic resilience.
- Future-proofing housing stock: With an ageing population, the demand for accessible housing is expected to rise. Mandating accessible housing standards now will help future-proof the housing stock, ensuring that it meets the needs of future generations.
Mandating wheelchair accessible housing in the NPPF is a crucial step towards creating an inclusive housing market that meets the needs of all everyone. It would address the current shortfall in accessible homes, provide consistency across regions, and offer numerous social, economic, and health benefits. In failing to nationally mandate wheelchair accessible housing, the Government is failing in its Public Sector Equality Duty towards disabled people who are wheelchair users.
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