Accessible homes consultation will happen in “matter of weeks”

Housing Minister says accessible homes consultation will happen in “matter of weeks”

Today, Blaydon MP Liz Twist, pushed the Housing Minister, Luke Hall, on the consultation on accessible housing standards promised by Theresa May last June. During Equalities questions, Twist asked Hall “a consultation on accessible housing was promised in June 2019 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government but hasn’t happened. Can the minister say when the consultation will take place and will he meet with me and representatives of wheelchair users to discuss?”

Hall responded: “We have been working across government on accessible housing provision and we’ll consult in a matter of weeks on options to raise the accessibility standards in new homes. The consultation will consider making high accessibility standards mandatory for recognising the importance of suitable homes for older and disabled people; I’ll be delighted to meet with her.”

Habinteg CEO, Sheron Carter, said: “Habinteg has been urging the Prime Minister to get on with the much needed consultation so this is a positive turn of events.  Our recent Insight report showed that only 43% of local plans contained specific requirements to deliver any new homes to the optional standards. This is why it’s a relief that after months without a solid timeframe on when the consultation on accessible housing standards will begin, the housing minister provided clarification. We hope now the government can place a stronger focus on housing for disabled people. We look forward to contributing to the consultation and helping to ensure that the voices and views of disabled people are heard.”