A recent study reveals that only 3% of newly approved homes in London in 2023 are accessible for disabled people, far below the city’s established targets. The study, conducted by the disabled people’s organization Inclusion London, paints a concerning picture of the state of accessible housing in the capital.
The report highlights the challenges faced by disabled people in London, where the lack of accessible housing is having a negative impact on both mental and physical health. Shockingly, less than 1% of homes approved in 2023 meet the stricter standards required for wheelchair accessibility. This discrepancy is despite London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s clear commitment to ensuring that all new housing is built with accessibility in mind.
Inclusion London’s findings underscore a significant shortfall in the availability of housing that caters to the needs of older people and those with reduced mobility. This includes the lack of homes designed to accommodate wheelchair users, further exacerbating the already dire housing shortage in the city. The organization argues that poor monitoring and insufficient resources have allowed developers to bypass these essential regulations, contributing to the crisis.
The data, sourced from the Planning London Datahub, reveals that only 3% of homes approved for development meet the minimum accessibility standards. Even more concerning is the fact that only 0.8% of homes meet the standards necessary for full wheelchair access. The lack of accessible housing is particularly pronounced in the social rented sector, where demand far outstrips supply.
In response to the report, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated that it is the responsibility of local planning authorities to ensure compliance with the London Plan, and emphasized ongoing efforts to work with local authorities to increase the number of accessible homes.
Inclusion London has also collected data from councils across the country, revealing that there are over 55,000 disabled people waiting for accessible housing. This further emphasizes the critical need for reform in housing policy to better serve the disabled community.
For many disabled individuals, the shortage of accessible housing is not just a matter of convenience—it affects their quality of life, their independence, and their well-being. As the housing crisis continues, it remains crucial that policymakers prioritize accessibility in future housing developments. The need for more accessible homes in London, and across the UK, has never been more urgent.
