Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Seventh Report - Disabled people in the housing sector
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
HC 63
Published 24 May 2024
Recommendations
2
Acknowledged
Take action based on heard concerns regarding disabled people’s housing needs
Recommendation
We have found little evidence that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is fully recognising the housing needs of disabled people, let alone treating disabled people’s needs as a priority in housing policy. In particular, it is deeply …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the challenges disabled people face regarding housing accessibility and states it intends to set out its policies on the accessibility of new homes in the near future, providing details about a necessary technical consultation at that time.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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14
Acknowledged
Para 57
Reform the DFG means test to introduce gradual tapering of personal contributions for working disabled people.
Recommendation
Whilst we recognise the need for the DFG means test to be a well-evidenced process, the current DFG means test is unnecessarily complex and leads many applicants to drop out of the DFG process entirely. We are also concerned that …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendations, highlights local authorities' existing flexibility to address the issue, and states it will continue to keep different aspects of the DFG means test under consideration.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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Conclusions (2)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 9
Disabled people are not a homogeneous group with a single set of housing needs. Rather, Government policy must seek to address the many barriers which disabled individuals face, which vary widely. Too often too many disabled people are failed by current housing policy. We have been particularly pained to hear …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges that disabled people should not face barriers to suitable accommodation and commits to working with local authorities and the housing sector to address key challenges, stating that ministers will ensure housing policy addresses these needs.
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 26
We welcome the Government’s announcement that it intends to make the M4(2) accessibility standard mandatory for all new build homes. This amendment to building regulations is an important policy change which will greatly increase the availability of accessible homes for disabled people. However, we are deeply concerned that the Department …
Government Response Summary
The government states the revised National Planning Policy Framework (published December 2024) requires local authorities to assess housing needs for disabled people, and it will set out its policies on new home accessibility 'in due course'.