Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what provisions his Department enforces to ensure that a minimum number of new council houses are specially adapted to suit the needs of those with physical disabilities.

To promote much needed new supply, the £11.5 billon Affordable Homes Programme (2021-26) (England) includes delivery within the programme for new supported housing for disabled, older and other vulnerable people, alongside other investment through DHSC.

Our planning rules already mean councils must consider the needs of older and disabled people when planning new homes. We have given councils guidance on options they should consider, such as housing with improved accessibility, to enable older and disabled people to live safely and independently.

The Government consulted from 8 Sept to 1 Dec 2020 on options to raise the accessibility of new homes. Evidence gathered through the consultation will help identify what changes can be made, including reviewing or tightening the regulatory framework to deliver accessible new homes and updates to statutory guidance.