Most UK homes are no-go zones for wheelchair users, survey finds
The majority of UK homes are unable to cater for wheelchair users due to accessibility issues, according to a new survey.
Seven out of 10 people said it would not be possible for wheelchair users to access all areas of their home, based on the poll commissioned by Habinteg Housing Association.
A total of 61% said wheelchair users would not be able to use the bathroom facilities without assistance and 58% said they would not be able to make use of the appliances and furniture in any room excluding the bathroom.
Habinteg called for urgent government action to make sure all new homes are accessible.
For the survey, 2,014 adults were questioned across England, Scotland and Wales.
According to Habinteg, typical reasons why homes are inaccessible include steps into the front door, width of doors, and bathrooms being located upstairs.
Earlier this year, former prime minister Theresa May announced plans to make all new homes accessible for disabled people after research by Habinteg revealed only 1% of planned homes outside London would be suitable for wheelchair users.
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Sheron Carter, chief executive of Habinteg, said: “Habinteg’s founding mission was to ensure that disabled people and non-disabled people can live together as neighbours.
“Today’s poll results show how far we have yet to go as a society. They reinforce what we have known for a long time: the government and local authorities are simply not doing enough for our disabled and older population.
“We are calling on the government to urgently change national policy to ensure all new homes are built to accessible and adaptable standards. This was promised by former prime minister Theresa May in July as part of a new consultation, and we now need the new prime minister to honour that pledge.”
