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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage new build houses to have disabled access.

Our planning rules already mean councils must consider the needs of older and disabled people when planning for new homes. In 2019 we published Planning Practice Guidance in order to help councils implement the National Planning Policy Framework policies.

The existing minimum standard for accessible housing requires 4 main criteria that make it accessible for most people, including wheelchair users: level access to the main entrance, a flush threshold, sufficiently wide doorways and circulation space, and a toilet at entrance level.

Government has also consulted on options to raise the accessibility of new homes, recognising the importance of suitable homes for older and disabled people. We are currently considering responses and will set out next steps in due course.