Disabled Campaigners Demand Action on Accessible Housing
Disabled activists are calling on the Labour government to take immediate action to address the pressing issue of inaccessible housing. Marking the third anniversary of a broken promise by the previous Conservative government, campaigners from Inclusion London and other disability rights groups are urging Labour to introduce clear legal requirements for building accessible homes.
A Broken Promise
Three years ago, the Conservative government pledged to improve the accessibility of new homes, but the promise was never fulfilled. Despite this, disabled people continue to face significant barriers in accessing suitable housing. Campaigners are demanding that all new homes meet at least the M4(2) standard, ensuring they are accessible and adaptable, and that at least 10% of new homes are built to the higher M4(3) standard, making them suitable for wheelchair-users.
The Current State of Accessible Housing
The current state of accessible housing in the UK is alarming. Only 13% of homes have basic accessibility features, and over 400,000 wheelchair-users live in unsuitable homes. One in five disabled social housing tenants also face similar challenges. Many disabled people wait years, even decades, for accessible social housing.
A Call to Action
Campaigners are urging the Labour government to commit to making 100% of new homes meet improved accessibility standards and to ensure at least 10% are wheelchair-accessible. They argue that relying on developers to voluntarily build accessible homes has not worked and that clear legal requirements are necessary.
Public Support
Recent polling has shown strong public support for better housing standards. Two-thirds of people said they would struggle to live in their homes if they became disabled or injured, and over three-quarters believe new homes should be built to allow people to live independently as they age or acquire disabilities.
Conclusion
The demand for accessible housing is clear, and the time for action is now. The Labour government must prioritize accessible housing and introduce clear legal requirements to ensure that all new homes are built to proper accessibility standards. By doing so, they can help address the ongoing crisis of inaccessible housing and ensure that disabled people have equal access to suitable housing.
