A new consultation has been launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) outlining a revised policy on housing standards- including a partial commitment to create more disabled friendly homes for the future.
The review includes for the first time, the introduction of regulations for security standards to ensure homes are better protected against crimes. The publication also includes optional requirements to make homes suitable for older and disabled people. However this decision has been criticised by some disability charities, which have seen it as a ‘missed opportunity’ to fully ensure disabled people are catered for in the housing market.
Earlier this year, the English Housing Survey revealed there was a shortage of disabled friendly homes in the UK- with only 5% of homes considered fully accessible for disabled people. Livability has campaigned on this issue and believes the situation urgently needs to be addressed- especially given the increasing ageing population and the numbers of disabled people for living longer.
Commenting on the Review, Liz Mell, Director of Operations at Livability, said:
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to create more disabled friendly homes as outlined in the review. However we believe this needs to be fully enforced otherwise it will just remain a good intention. The Government have a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of millions of disabled people by ensuring there are enough disabled friendly homes to meet future demand. We hope they do not miss this crucial opportunity.”
To find out more information on the consultation and how to respond to it, visit here.
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