BBK calls for new social and affordable homes to help close the accessible housing gap

Bolt Burdon Kemp has written to the Government calling for accessibility to be at the heart of its plans to deliver more than 70,000 new social and affordable homes across England.

The Government’s recent commitment represents a significant investment in social and affordable housing. It also presents an important opportunity to address the shortage of accessible and wheelchair-accessible homes.

As part of our Manifesto for Injured People, we have been campaigning to close the UK’s accessible housing gap. Through our work with people who have sustained serious and life-changing injuries, we see first-hand the impact unsuitable housing can have. Some people can wait months or even years for an accessible home or the adaptations they need.

For someone recovering from a serious injury, a properly accessible home can support their rehabilitation, independence and quality of life. Building accessibility in from the outset can also reduce the need for costly adaptations later.

That is why we have written to the Housing Minister asking how the Government will ensure its investment in social and affordable housing also helps to close the accessible housing gap, including whether stronger accessibility requirements will be introduced for homes delivered through the programme.

Building more social and affordable homes is welcome. We now want to see the Government use this opportunity to ensure that the homes being built meet the needs of everyone in our communities.