The new government must now deliver on their accessible homes election promise | Latest news

“Following the Conservative’s victory, it is important that the new government now deliver on a key accessible homes pledge. The party’s manifesto committed to “encourage innovative design and technology to make housing more affordable, accessible, and suitable for disabled people.”  Habinteg want to see the accessible and adaptable standard – known as category two homes in part M4 of the building regulations – become the new mandatory baseline for all new homes.  

“This is important because, despite 13.9 million disabled people in the UK, just 7% of English homes currently provide even the most basic accessibility features, according to the English Housing Survey.  By ensuring a new baseline for all new homes, more disabled and older people would benefit.  

“It was encouraging during the campaign to see the main parties commit to accessible housing.  There is now a cross-party consensus on this important issue.  The country’s leading housing experts have thrown their weight behind these calls too, following the launch last month of the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition.   

“The Chancellor, Sajid Javid, confirmed in September 2019 via the Autumn Spending Round that there would be a consultation on accessible housing. It is now vital that our newly elected Prime Minister starts this consultation as a matter of urgency. 

“Habinteg are ready and willing to work with the new government, as well as all political parties, in driving this through and ensuring the voices of disabled people are heard throughout the process.  

“The first step towards ensuring disabled people play an active part in our society, and can live independent lives, must be to tackle the severe lack of accessible homes."