You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
New group warns over accessible housing ‘ticking time bomb’
A new 10-strong coalition of charities and trade bodies is calling on the government to tackle a “time bomb” over the lack of suitable housing for disabled and older people.
The coalition, Housing Made for Everyone (HoME), has written an open letter to the housing secretary calling for a new design standard baseline on all new housing as the UK grapples with the needs of an ageing population.
The group, which includes Habinteg and the National Housing Federation, points out that the number of households headed by someone aged 65 or over has increased by more than a million since 2010/11.
The coalition wants the standard set out in Building Regulations, Volume 1, M4 Category 2 to be the “mandatory baseline for all new homes”. This means that the homes would have basic accessibility features and can be adapted for future requirements.
READ MORE
The group highlighted research showing that just 7% of homes in England are currently deemed ‘accessible’. It also pointed to figures showing that just 1% of homes planned to be built outside London by 2030 will be fully wheelchair accessible.
Figures also show that by 2030 there will be just one new accessible home built for every 15 people over the age of 65.
Anna Dixon, chief executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, which co-chairs the coalition, said: “While it’s not inevitable, the likelihood is that most of us will experience disability or difficulties with activities of daily living at some point in our later life. And with more of us living for longer, this dire lack of accessible homes represents a ticking time bomb.”
She added: “Urgent action is needed to ensure we are building homes fit for the future, so that more of us are able to stay in our homes for longer and remain safe and independent.”
Sheron Carter, chief executive at Habinteg, the coalition’s other co-chair, said: “We’re heartened to see so many high-profile organisations joining forces to press for change on such a crucial issue. We can and should be building homes to be inclusive of all.”
HoME has also published a seven-point charter which includes recommendations for central and local government, estate agents and developers. Among this it calls on the housebuilding industry to join its call for changes to the law around accessibility standards.
The 10 members of HoME
- Habinteg Housing
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Age UK
- RIBA
- Care and Repair England
- Disability Rights UK
- Housing LIN
- National Housing Federation
- Chartered Institute of Housing
- TCPA
