Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Accessibility Standards for New Homes: Consultation Response

Monday 29 November 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department is considering responses to the consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes which closed in December 2020.
  • The Department aims to publish a response setting out next steps for increasing the supply of accessible homes as soon as possible.
  • Between 2021 and 2026, 10% of homes to be built under the affordable homes programme will be accessible, totaling about 20,000 new homes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Housing
Context

The Department's consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes closed in December 2020.

Question

What is the Department's timescale for responding to the consultation on raising accessibility standards for new homes which closed in December 2020?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

My Department is considering responses to this very important consultation. We will publish a response that sets out next steps for increasing the supply of accessible homes as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timescale was not provided

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Housing
Context

Housing association Habinteg estimates that over 400,000 wheelchair users are living in homes not adapted or accessible. New accessible homes can reduce the need to adapt as individuals change and allow them to live independently longer.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and experts from the Centre for Accessible Environments to find out what good accessible design means for users?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

I salute the hon. Lady's industriousness, the all-party parliamentary group that she leads, and the work that Habinteg and other groups undertake. She will know that as part of the affordable homes programme, between 2021 and 2026, 10% of the homes to be built—about 20,000 new homes—will require adaptation for living. I am very happy to meet her to discuss what more we can do and how quickly we can bring forward our response to the consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific meeting details or timeline were not provided

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