Accessibility standards to be raised for New Builds

Accessibility standards to be raised for New Builds

10:21 AM, 29th July 2022, About 2 years ago 7

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New homes will be more accessible for older and disabled people as the government today (29 July) confirms plans to raise the accessibility standard following full consultation of proposals.

The raising accessibility standards for new homes consultation proposed staying with the existing framework for accessible housing, reconsidering the way existing standards are used or raising the minimum standard. We are now committing to raising the minimum standard, giving people the dignity and security they deserve in their homes.

Raising the minimum accessibility standard will require all new homes to have step-free access to all entrance level rooms and facilities as well as further features to make homes more easily adaptable over time, supporting people to live independent lives.

Since 2010 we have given councils over £4.5 billion to deliver almost half a million home adaptations. Current planning rules already mean councils must consider the needs of older and disabled people when planning for new homes.

This change means older and disabled people can live more independently in their own homes, with greater choice and control over their lives, and be able to work, socialise and contribute to society as fully as possible. It will ‘future proof’ new homes for successive generations, saving costs associated with moving or adapting 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.”

Responses were significantly in favour of raising the minimum accessibility standard. From over 400 responses to the consultation, an overwhelming 98% supported government’s intention to raise accessibility standards of new homes. The most favoured options were the two that included mandating a higher accessibility standard.

A second consultation will be carried out in due course. It will cover 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.


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Comments

Reluctant Landlord

14:29 PM, 29th July 2022, About 2 years ago

'Since 2010 we have given councils over £4.5 billion to deliver almost half a million home adaptations.'

Bearing in mind very little of anything has been built so far, I wonder there the £££££'s are?

My bet is on 'admin' and salaries for those tasked in looking at how to deliver this. Probably an army of questionnaries/research and pilot ideas....all to produce bugger all on the ground as there is no money left....

Budget spent, nothing tangable to show for it.

Dylan Morris

17:06 PM, 29th July 2022, About 2 years ago

So they’re going to ban steps ?

Reluctant Landlord

19:03 PM, 30th July 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 29/07/2022 - 17:06
I hope so - god awful music 😉

Old Mrs Landlord

21:55 PM, 31st July 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 29/07/2022 - 14:29
I think you will find this budget is for adapting existing properties occupied by people who have become disabled due to age, illness or injury in order to enable them to continue to live where they are rather than move to purpose-built accommodation, and that most of it has been spent on such adaptations..

Dylan Morris

9:59 AM, 1st August 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Old Mrs Landlord at 31/07/2022 - 21:55
“Accessibility standards to be raised for NEW BUILDS”

Old Mrs Landlord

10:49 AM, 1st August 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 01/08/2022 - 09:59Yes, and the cost of adaptations to existing premises is what, at least in part, has prompted these new build requirements.

Reluctant Landlord

9:32 AM, 2nd August 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Old Mrs Landlord at 01/08/2022 - 10:49
....which just raises the cost of new build coffins...which people cannot afford so continue to rent...

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