Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance is given to local authorities to take account of occupational therapy recommendations relating to sensory regulation, independence, and daily living needs when assessing housing requirements for disabled children and adults, as well as children and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Government is committed to supporting disabled people to live independently and safely. This includes disabled children and those with neurodevelopmental conditions.
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) delivery guidance sets out how local authorities should assess housing adaptations for disabled children and adults, including the role of occupational therapists in decision-making Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) delivery: Guidance for Local Authorities in England.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires development plans to take into account an assessment of housing needed for different groups in the community, including disabled people, and set policies to address those needs.
The Homelessness Code of Guidance encourages housing authorities to consider the individual needs of people with disabilities and how these can be met, when assessing their housing needs and the suitability of accommodation, where it is provided.