New homes will be more accessible for older and disabled people
as the government today (29 July) confirms plans to raise the
accessibility standard following full consultation of proposals.
The raising accessibility standards for new homes consultation proposed
staying with the existing framework for accessible housing,
reconsidering the way existing standards are used or raising the
minimum standard. We are now committing to raising the minimum
standard, giving people the dignity and security they deserve in
their homes.
Raising the minimum accessibility standard will require all new
homes to have step-free access to all entrance level rooms and
facilities as well as further features to make homes more easily
adaptable over time, supporting people to live independent lives.
Since 2010 we have given councils over £4.5 billion to deliver
almost half a million home adaptations. Current planning rules
already mean councils must consider the needs of older and
disabled people when planning for new homes.
This change means older and disabled people can live more
independently in their own homes, with greater choice and control
over their lives, and be able to work, socialise and contribute
to society as fully as possible. It will ‘future proof’ new homes
for successive generations, saving costs associated with moving
or adapting homes.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing said:
Older and disabled people must have homes which are suitable for
their needs, and allow them to live comfortably and
independently.
This consultation has made clear raising the accessibility
standard of new homes is supported not just by people who use
accessible homes, but by industry and wider stakeholders as well.
With that mandate, we are forging ahead with the next steps to
make this a reality.
Holly Holder, Co-Chair of the Housing Made for Everyone
(HoME) coalition, said:
We warmly welcome the government’s decision to raise the minimum
accessibility standard as a positive step towards resolving the
significant shortage of accessible and adaptable new homes in
this country.
Raising the standard of accessibility has the potential to change
millions of lives but only if executed well and with very limited
exceptions to the way the revised regulation is applied. Homes
with higher accessibility standards benefit everyone,
particularly disabled people and older people, and disadvantage
no one.
Christina McGill, Co-Chair of the Housing Made for
Everyone (HoME) coalition, said:
The need for accessible homes is going to grow significantly over
the next 20 years as our population ages. Improving mandatory
access standards will remove many of the barriers currently
limiting the number of accessible homes being built and help
deliver the right quality of homes for everyone.
We look forward to further discussions with the government on the
next phase of consultation. This must be carried out with urgency
and address the finer details needed to deliver on the promise of
housing that is suitable and accessible for people throughout
their lives.
Kerry Thompson, disability blogger/influencer,
said:
Today’s announcement will bring in welcome changes to
accessibility standards in new homes.
Living in an accessible Habinteg Housing Association home myself,
I know first-hand just how beneficial they can be for a disabled
person. For me it makes the difference between just existing and
having a life to live. An accessible home can enable greater
independence.
The accessible adaptable standard will make adaptations more
achievable and economically beneficial and in the long term will
alleviate pressures on health and social care services and
budgets.
I am looking forward to seeing the progress that comes from these
changes because living in an accessible home shouldn’t be seen as
a luxury.
Responses were significantly in favour of raising the minimum
accessibility standard. From over 400 responses to the
consultation, an overwhelming 98% supported government’s
intention to raise accessibility standards of new homes. The most
favoured options were the two that included mandating a higher
accessibility standard.
A second consultation will be carried out in due course. It will
cover the detail of the regulatory changes, including updates to
statutory guidance as well as the circumstances where exceptions
to applying the higher standard will apply.
