Ageing Better's reaction to government’s new accessible homes proposals 

Among new proposals announced yesterday, the government is set to consult on a new policy that would ensure a national minimum of at least 40% of new housing is delivered to M4(2) accessibility standards. The government said that this is to “ensure plans adequately provide for the accessibility needs of an ageing population and the needs of disabled people.”

The changes form part of an overhaul of planning rules which the government believes will help to achieve its overall target of building 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament.

Three years ago, the previous government confirmed plans to require all new homes to have entrance level step-free access and other accessibility features as a minimum requirement. However, no progress was made before the 2024 general election and campaigners have been waiting until now to see the new government’s policy on accessible housing. 

Accessibility requirements for all new buildings are established in statutory guidance.  

Requirement M4(1) sets basic standards for all new buildings while Requirement M4(2) sets a higher standard for accessible homes, such as having a living area at entrance level and step-free access to all entrance level rooms and facilities, wider doorways and corridors as well as clear access routes to reach windows.

The M4(3) requirement is achieved when a new dwelling provides reasonable provisions for a wheelchair user to live in the dwelling and have the ability to use any private outdoor space, parking and communal facilities.

Currently, the categories M4(2) and M4(3) are optional requirements which local authorities can apply through local planning policies where they have identified a local need and where the viability of development is not compromised.

The Centre for Ageing Better co-founded the HoME (Housing Made for Everyone) Coalition in 2019 with Habinteg in order to campaign for improved accessible housing. The coalition has now grown to a group of 11 charities and housing organisations.

Millie Brown, Deputy Director for Homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: 

“The need for reform here is desperate, millions of people across the UK are being failed by a housing system that does not meet their basic accessibility needs. Over 12 million individuals are currently living in homes that are simply not fit for purpose. Homes where they cannot safely wash themselves each day, or even access essential parts of their own property.

“Requiring at least 40% of new housing to meet the higher M4(2) standards is an important step in the right direction. If the government delivers on its promises, this could mean 600,000 more accessible homes by the end of the decade. It is important that the government has recognised the significance of our growing ageing and Disabled populations and taken steps to help ensure our housing stock is in a better place to meet those growing demands.  

“Of course, the announcement could have gone further. The previous government said that all new homes should be built to M4(2), so it’s a step back from that position. Many local authorities already build to high levels of both the M4(2) standard and the higher M4(3) wheelchair accessible standard. So, we would hope that local authorities are encouraged to view 40% as the minimum to achieve and exceed.    

“Everyone deserves a good quality home that keeps them safe, healthy, and secure. Accessible homes enable people with mobility issues or disabilities to live independently and safely, helping avoid injuries and falls. Everyone can benefit from accessible homes, including families using prams and anyone who has older people or friends with mobility issues visiting them. With an ageing population and increasing rates of disability, this change has come at a crucial time.”