Government to raise accessibility standard for new homes

The government has announced plans to raise the accessibility standard, meaning new homes will be more accessible for older and disabled people.

The announcement follows a consultation of proposals. The raising accessibility standards for new homes consultation considered continuing with the existing framework for accessible housing, reconsidering the way existing standards are used or raising the minimum standard.

The decision was made to raise the minimum accessibility standard, which means all new homes will be required to have step-free access to all entrance level rooms and facilities as well as other features to make homes more easily adaptable over time.

From 400 responses to the consultation, 98% supported the government's intention to raise accessibility standards of new homes.

Since 2010, councils have received more than £4.5 billion to deliver home adaptations. Existing planning rules mean councils must already consider the needs of older and disabled people when planning for new homes.

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes 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."

A second consultation will be carried out covering 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.