Government’s planning policy changes leave wheelchair users out in the cold (again) | Latest news

The government’s proposal to increase accessibility standards in new homes through changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is unlikely to have a positive impact on the housing crisis wheelchair users face, says accessible housing expert, Habinteg.

The Registered Social Landlord says the proposed new national expectation that at least 40% of new homes should meet or exceed the accessible and adaptable standard does nothing to improve the outlook for wheelchair users. This is because the NPPF changes do not require local plans to set any target for wheelchair user homes, known as the M4(3) standard in Building Regulations.

Habinteg’s latest report, A forecast for accessible homes 2025 , reveals that 170 out of 311 local plans have no target set for wheelchair user homes and the new proposal does nothing to change this. The forecast also shows that around a third of local plans already exceed 40% in their planned delivery of M4(2) accessible and adaptable homes over the next 10 years.

Habinteg’s Director of Social Impact & External Affairs, Christina McGill, said: “There is real concern that the proposed 40% minimum could be interpreted by time-poor planners as a target and effectively suppress delivery in what would otherwise have been more ambitious local plans.”

A growing strategic issue

The housing needs of older and disabled people are a growing strategic issue for the country with an ageing population and increasing rates of disability.

The previous government had promised in 2022 to raise the accessibility standard of new homes by changing Building Regulations to make the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard the new baseline.

“We are deeply concerned that instead of changing Building Regulations the government proposes in the NPPF to leave it to local planning authorities to decide on the proportion of M4(2) and M4(3) homes that should be built over the lifespan of each plan, setting just a 40% minimum.

“Ministers should do the right thing and uphold their predecessors’ commitment to make M4(2) the default for all new homes through building regulations.

Left out of policy

“What the NPPF could and should do is to require all local plans to set a target for the proportion of new homes to meet M4(3) wheelchair user standards in each area. Without this, we can’t see a future where the housing needs of wheelchair users are met, and the shortfall will only grow over time,” Ms. McGill said.

Disability rights campaigner and Habinteg Insight Group member, Kim Smith, said: “We’ve been waiting a long time for an announcement on accessible housing, but the news is so disappointing. Once again, the government is leaving the needs of wheelchair users like me out of the rules that govern plans for new homes.

“We’re being denied the basic right of having access to a safe, decent home through a lack of policy. Housing Secretary Steve Reed had the chance to improve the life chances of disabled people, and he’s failed to do so. Current policies are not producing enough wheelchair user homes, and this rule change offers no improvement.

“I lived in an inaccessible home for seven years where I struggled daily to carry out basic tasks on my own. I could not even turn my wheelchair properly in some rooms. The government is making a costly mistake as it’s far more efficient to build accessible homes from the start than adapt them through the Disabled Facilities Grant, or even worse pay for expensive home care services or care home places.

Unsuitable housing for later life

“My current accessible home has greatly improved my life and mental health as I can now independently access all parts of my home and garden.”

There has been widespread support for a change in Building Regulations from influential government committees and successive policy inquiries. Most recently, the Older People’s Housing Task Force recommended immediate adoption of Part M4(2) of the Building Regulations for all new housing along with better guidance on the provision of M4(3) wheelchair user homes.

Chair of the Task Force, Professor Julienne Meyer, said: “Over 90% of senior citizens live in mainstream housing, yet most homes are unsuitable for later life. Few meet current standards, contributing to ill health and rising costs to the NHS.

“We call for adoption of M4(2) for all new homes and guidance on the provision of M4(3) wheelchair user homes, with immediate effect. Anything less is not acceptable.”