There is a housing crisis for most young people who are unable to afford to get on the housing ladder. But for disabled people the situation is far worse.
The ‘Equality and Human Rights Commission’ says that disabled people have been left frustrated and trapped by a chronic shortage of suitable housing, as unnecessary bureaucracy and insufficient support leave them trapped in unsuitable homes.
The results of an eighteen month survey calls for governments (both local and national) to take urgent action to make all new houses adaptable and accessible, as 365,000 disabled people say their home is not suitable for their needs.
David Isaac, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commision
David Isaac said, “As the saying goes: ‘home, sweet home’ but for thousands of disabled people across the UK, their homes create only a sense of being trapped and the cause of distress. No one’s right to independent living should be limited by their home, and making the necessary adaptions should never require lengthy waiting lists and result in endless confusion. Governments must take note of our recommendations and act now to address this hidden crisis that affects the lives of so many disabled people.”
Appropriate housing can dramatically improve people’s ability to live independently. Those whose homes meet their accessibility requirements reported improved health and well being, and enhanced prospects for employment and study. Timely installation of adaptions can create savings to the public purse, reducing social care costs for local authorities and health costs for the NHS.
Terrie Alafat CBE, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing
Terrie Alafat said, “This report highlights a worrying lack of suitable housing options for disabled people. We are currently not building anywhere near enough homes to meet the huge demand for housing, but this report once again shows that this is not just a numbers game.
We have to build a significant number of new homes, but we have to make sure they are the right homes, in the right places and that people can afford them. Accessibility must be a crucial consideration for the government as it looks to solve our housing crisis.”
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