Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what plans his Department has to increase the number of wheelchair-accessible properties in the UK; and whether it plans to improve the allocation of wheelchair-accessible properties to wheelchair users in the social and affordable housing sector.

National Planning Policy makes it clear that local planning authorities should plan for a mix of housing based on current and future demographic trends, market trends and the needs of different groups in the community, such as people with disabilities. The Government is introducing wheelchair accessible and adaptable housing standards into Part M (Access to and use of buildings) of the Building Regulations which local authorities will be able to require of new development in order to ensure that these evidenced needs are suitably met.

The Government believes it is important that people who require accessible housing are given the right level of priority under a council’s housing allocation scheme, and that councils and social landlords are able to make the best use of social and affordable rented housing in their area, including accommodation which is accessible or has been adapted. Through the Localism Act we have retained the statutory ‘reasonable preference’ requirements which ensure that priority is given to those who need to move on medical and welfare grounds (including grounds relating to a disability).