Government plans to make huge cuts to targets for accessible new-build homes in England have been labelled a “monumental reversal” by campaigners, who say disabled people have been left feeling “betrayed and excluded”.
In its proposals for changes to the country’s planning system, the government said a minimum of 40% of new-build homes would be built to improved accessibility standards – M4(2) – which include step-free access and wider doorways and corridors.
The proposals set no minimum target for the proportion of wheelchair accessible – M4(3) – new-build homes, which disability campaigners believe should be at least 10%.
The move is a big climbdown from the previous Conservative government’s commitment to making all new homes meet the M4(2) standard as part of a push for better accessibility throughout the housebuilding industry.
Mikey Erhardt, policy and campaigns officer at Disability Rights UK, said it was “absolutely incredible to witness the government’s lack of principle” on the issue.
“This is a monumental reversal of existing policy. We had been awaiting the plans to implement a previous 100% figure and this decision leaves disabled people feeling betrayed and excluded, and questioning the government’s commitment to disability equality,” he said.
“Requiring 100% of all new-build homes to be built to improved accessibility standards, with 10% to wheelchair user standards, would have been the right thing to do, creating a level playing field for developers and sending a strong signal that our housing stock must change to meet the needs of our older and disabled citizens.
“The government’s failure of resolve and watered down proposal leaves a bitter taste, raising questions about whose interests are being served.”
Millie Brown, deputy director for homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, said the 40% target was an “important step in the right direction”, although she acknowledged it was a “step back” from the Conservative government’s previous plans.
“Of course, the announcement could have gone further,” she said. “We would hope that local authorities are encouraged to view 40% as the minimum to achieve and exceed.”
The government’s proposed changes to the planning system say that 40% of new homes should meet the M4(2) standard, but that councils should “set requirements for M4(2) that meet or exceed their locally assessed need for this housing”.
This category of home accessibility requires step-free access, wider doors and entrance-level toilets to make them adaptable for people with limited mobility and older people.
Homes built to the M4(3) standard must be fully accessible for full-time wheelchair users, with ample turning spaces and accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
Many local authorities set their own targets on this – since 2015, in London the standard has been 90% of homes at M4(2) and 10% at M4(3).
But rates fluctuate sharply across the country – analysis by the Centre for Ageing Better found that people living in the East Midlands or north-east of England were six times less likely to be living in a fully accessible home compared with people living in London.
Just 13% of homes in England were fully accessible, the research found.
The housing secretary, Steve Reed, said the changes to the planning system were part of his plan to “get Britain building” and that “we owe it to the people of this country to do everything within our power to build the homes they deserve”.
Mark Gale, policy manager at the disability charity Sense, said he wanted the government reconsider the accessibility targets.
“We’re disappointed to hear the government is cutting back on accessibility targets for new homes,” he said. “Inaccessible housing can be a huge barrier to independence for disabled people with complex needs. Sadly, there is often far too little suitable housing stock available, meaning some people have no choice but to live in homes that don’t meet their needs.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has been contacted for comment.
