Government announces moves to improve accessibility of new homes

The government has confirmed plans to raise the accessibility standard for new homes in order to make them more accessible for older and disabled people.

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.

The government has now committed 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.

Current planning rules already mean councils must consider the needs of older and disabled people when planning for new homes. The new changes should mean 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. The reforms are designed to ‘future proof’ new homes for successive generations, saving costs associated with moving or adapting homes.

Eddie Hughes, 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.’

Responses to the consultation 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.

Photo by Steven HWG