Inaccessible Housing

Many disabled people and their families are reporting that their housing situations are not suitable for their needs – both in bought and rented homes.  Around 1.8 million disabled people in England are currently struggling to find appropriate housing, with only less than one in ten properties being available that are fully accessible.  In Scotland, the number of people in unsuitable housing is set to increase by 80% in the next 6 years.  Affordable new homes are often too small for wheelchair users.

“Last year, we accepted a standard three-bedroom house from the council on the understanding that adaptations would be put in place. But six months later, we are still without either an internal lift or outside ramps.”

The Housing Crisis

The housing crisis has been ongoing in the UK for a while, but whilst it affects both disabled and able-bodied people – those who have mobility problems are left feeling isolated and trapped in their own homes.

Housing Upgrade Grants

If moving property isn’t an option, grants can be applied for to cover the costs of adapting the current home. However, these grants often don’t cover all the costs.  Some people who have lived in bought homes, have had to sell and apply for social housing as a last resort, which puts more pressure on the social housing lists.  When it’s agreed to adapt a property, bought or rented, families can end up waiting months on the work being done.  The Noscoe family struggled with this issue and said:

“Last year, we accepted a standard three-bedroom house from the council on the understanding that adaptations would be put in place. But six months later, we are still without either an internal lift or outside ramps.”

Meeting Demands

While new social housing is being built, only a minority of those are built to the specifications required for disabled people.  Some recent developments include four semi-detached houses in Inverness, which are wheelchair accessible.  In Darwen, 34 new bungalows have been built with accessibility in mind.  These bungalows were built to meet the needs of the elderly and the disabled, with spacious one-level living conditions.  Flats are also being built in the same grounds, which will feature communal living areas, a restaurant and a salon.

This is a step in the right direction as the demand for wheelchair accessible housing far exceeds the supply.  Accelerated change must happen if the government is going to meet these demands and ensure the elderly and the disabled are not forgotten about.