MPs launch inquiry on housing for people with disabilities

The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee launches an inquiry looking at what Government can do to ensure disabled people have access to accessible and adaptable housing in England.

The inquiry will examine the role of Government, local councils and developers in ensuring the delivery of suitable housing for disabled people and what the Government can do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector in England.

The Committee will also be looking at the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and whether it ensures housebuilding complies with the Equality Act 2010.

The inquiry intends to examine the progress made since the publication of the findings (in July 2022) of the Government’s consultation titled ‘Raising accessibility standards for new homes’.

Clive Betts, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, said: “Many people with disabilities will be living in homes that are neither adapted nor accessible. This might apply to those seeking social housing because they or their immediate family members have a disability, or they might be wishing to buy, or rent privately, and cannot find housing that’s suitable for their disability-related needs.

“We want to examine what Government can do to ensure disabled residents have access to accessible and adaptable housing in England and how far the planning system is helping to deliver suitable homes. We’re also keen to explore the role of Government, local councils and developers in delivering suitable housing for people with disabilities and what the Government can do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector in England.”

The Committee will also be looking at how far the Government can ensure it provides provision to support disabled residents who do not live in new build homes and whether the Disabled Facilities Grant supports housing adaptations.

Evidence sessions for this inquiry are likely to begin in late 2023.