The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee has launched an inquiry into how to ensure that people with disabilities have access to accessible and adaptable housing in England
A inquiry into how the Government can ensure that those with disabilities can access appropriate housing has begun- and welcomes written evidence from those affected.
The roles of goverment, local councils and developers in connecting disabled people with accessible and adaptable housing will be examined and areas for improvement identified.
Housebuilding legislation such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will also be examined to ensure it is compliant with the Equality Act 2010.
Progress made in accessible hosuing will be assessed
The disability housing inquiry intends to examine the progress made since the July 2022 publication of the findings of the Government’s consultation titled ‘Raising accessibility standards for new homes’, recommendations of which were later made into law.
The LUHC Committee will the challenges facing disabled residents of non-new build homes and assess the support provisions to adapt older housing, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant.
Clive Betts, chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, said: “Many people with disabilities will be living in homes that are neither adapted nor accessible. This might apply to those seeking social housing because they or their immediate family members have a disability, or they might be wishing to buy, or rent privately, and cannot find housing that’s suitable for their disability-related needs.
“We want to examine what Government can do to ensure disabled residents have access to accessible and adaptable housing in England and how far the planning system is helping to deliver suitable homes. We’re also keen to explore the role of Government, local councils and developers in delivering suitable housing for people with disabilities and what the Government can do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector in England.”
Evidence sessions for this inquiry are likely to begin in late 2023.
The disability housing inquiry will explore:
- What can the Government do to ensure disabled residents across England have access to accessible and adaptable housing?
- Does the National Planning Policy Framework ensure the Equality Act 2010 is complied with when building housing?
- Since the Government consultation ‘Raising accessibility standards for new homes’ (July 2022), what has been done to improve housing provisions for disabled residents in England? And has it been sufficient?
- What role should the Government, Local Authorities and developers have for ensuring the delivery of suitable housing for disabled people?
- Does the Disabled Facilities Grant fully support housing adaptations?
- How can the Government ensure it provides sufficient provisions to support disabled residents who do not live in new build homes?
- What can the Government do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector?
The deadline for submissions is Thursday 21 September 2023. You can submit evidence here.
