New requirements for accessible homes cautiously welcomed by Ageing Better

Campaigners have cautiously welcomed new requirements in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) but are warning that the delivery of accessible homes must exceed the new minimum 40% threshold if the country is to come anywhere close to meeting the current high levels of demand in the future.  

The HoME (Housing Made for Everyone) Coalition, of which Ageing Better is a co-founding and co-chair member, has welcomed the government's inclusion of a minimum target for accessible homes within the new planning framework but believe a higher figure is achievable and necessary given the current shortage of accessible homes across the country.  

Previous research by the Centre for Ageing Better shows that some local authorities are already achieving far higher rates for accessible homes than the 40% minimum and the government should be encouraging all authorities to hit these levels.  

The inclusion of minimum targets for accessible housing marks the culmination of a long policy battle to ensure the country builds the right homes suitable for Disabled people and everyone as they grow older.  

The first commitment to mandatory accessibility standards in housing was originally made by the last Labour government under Gordon Brown’s premiership. This was Labour Party policy but was not implemented prior to the 2010 election.

The Centre for Ageing Better has been campaigning for increases to accessible housing numbers for ten years, forming the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition in 2019 with other charities and housing organisations calling for action to tackle the UK’s acute and growing shortage of accessible homes.

In 2022, the Boris Johnson government announced a policy commitment to raise mandatory accessibility standards for all new-build homes in England, but a second stage of consultation required to formalise the standards was never completed.

The HoME coalition is now urging the government to ensure that all local authorities are given the necessary support and encouragement to significantly exceed the new minimum target, and for more thorough monitoring and data collection to ensure that the minimum target is being exceeded across the country.  

Dr Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said:   

“But it is a missed opportunity to futureproof England’s housing stock and go further, faster, to meet this appallingly high need.  

“Whilst we are disappointed that this isn’t a more ambitious policy requiring all new homes meet this standard, we are pleased that the government has recognised that the accessibility of new build homes must be a core part of planning policy.

“With proper implementation and monitoring, we hope that this change will increase the supply of accessible homes in all parts of the country that will make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.   

“Accessible and adaptable homes are easier to live in, help more people live independently for longer, and ensure housing is better suited to an ageing population."  

Martin Warhurst, Chief Executive at Habinteg Housing Association, said:

“Many local authorities are already moving beyond this level and should be encouraged to continue doing so.  

“Secondly, local plans must specifically assess the need for homes designed to full wheelchair user dwelling M4(3) standard as the M4(2) standard is not a substitute for fully wheelchair accessible homes for the people that need them.  

“Thirdly, the policy must be implemented with clear monitoring and data collection to ensure accessible homes are being delivered in the numbers, locations and housing types that communities need.  

“Ultimately, the HoME coalition believes that to meet future housing need, minimum accessibility and adaptability standards should be set through changes to Building Regulations, alongside a requirement for all local plans to set clear targets for M4(3) wheelchair-accessible homes.  

“Building more accessible homes is not just a housing issue. It is about improving health, supporting employment, reducing pressure on public services and helping people live independently for longer.   

“This update to the National Planning Policy Framework is welcome progress, but more ambition will be needed if we are to create a housing system that truly works for everyone.”