Supply of accessible homes to receive vital boost

NEW homes will be more accessible for older and disabled people as the Government, on 29 July 2022, confirmed plans to raise the accessibility standard following full consultation of proposals. The raising accessibility standards for new homes consultation proposed staying with the existing framework for accessible housing, reconsidering the way existing standards are used or raising the minimum standard. A spokesperson said:- "We are now committing to raising the minimum standard, giving people the dignity and security they deserve in their homes."

Raising the minimum accessibility standard will require all new homes to have step free access to all entrance level rooms and facilities as well as further features to make homes more easily adaptable over time, supporting people to live independent lives.

Since 2010 we have given Councils over £4.5 billion to deliver almost 500,000 home adaptations. Current planning rules already mean Councils must consider the needs of older and disabled people when planning for new homes.

The proposed change means older and disabled people can live more independently in their own homes, with greater choice and control over their lives, and be able to work, socialise and contribute to society as fully as possible. It will:- 'future proof' new homes for successive generations, saving costs associated with moving or adapting homes.

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes said:- "Older and disabled people must have homes which are suitable for their needs, and allow them to live comfortably and independently. This consultation has made clear raising the accessibility standard of new homes is supported not just by people who use accessible homes, but by industry and wider stakeholders as well. With that mandate, we are forging ahead with the next steps to make this a reality."

Holly Holder, Co-Chair of the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition, said:- "We warmly welcome the Government's decision to raise the minimum accessibility standard as a positive step towards resolving the significant shortage of accessible and adaptable new homes in this country. Raising the standard of accessibility has the potential to change millions of lives, but only if executed well and with very limited exceptions to the way the revised regulation is applied. Homes with higher accessibility standards benefit everyone, particularly disabled people and older people, and disadvantage no 1."

Christina McGill, Co-Chair of the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition, said:- "The need for accessible homes is going to grow significantly over the next 20 years as our population ages. Improving mandatory access standards will remove many of the barriers currently limiting the number of accessible homes being built and help deliver the right quality of homes for everyone. We look forward to further discussions with the Government on the next phase of consultation. This must be carried out with urgency and address the finer details needed to deliver on the promise of housing that is suitable and accessible for people throughout their lives."

Kerry Thompson, disability blogger/influencer, said:- "This announcement will bring in welcome changes to accessibility standards in new homes. Living in an accessible Habinteg Housing Association home myself, I know first-hand just how beneficial they can be for a disabled person. For me it makes the difference between just existing and having a life to live. An accessible home can enable greater independence. The accessible adaptable standard will make adaptations more achievable and economically beneficial and in the long term will alleviate pressures on health and social care services and budgets. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress that comes from these changes because living in an accessible home shouldn't be seen as a luxury."

Responses were significantly in favour of raising the minimum accessibility standard. From over 400 responses to the consultation, an overwhelming 98% supported Government's intention to raise accessibility standards of new homes. The most favoured options were the 2 that included mandating a higher accessibility standard.

A 2nd consultation will be carried out in due course. It will cover the detail of the regulatory changes, including:- updates to statutory guidance as well as the circumstances where exceptions to applying the higher standard will apply.

Blackpool is home to the 3rd most dangerous roads in the UK
Report with thanks to Forbes.

A study has revealed that Blackpool is home to the most dangerous roads in England. The research by price comparison site Forbes Advisor compared the total number of road casualties in each Local Authority in Britain in 2021 with each area's population to reveal the rate of deaths or serious injuries per 100,000 people.

The results show Powys as having the most dangerous roads in Britain, with 101 deaths or serious injuries per 100,000 people in 2021.

The 2nd most dangerous roads in Britain are also in Wales. Last year, 69 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in Ceredigion, which when compared with the population translates to the second highest rate in the study.

Blackpool ranks 3rd in the study for its treacherous roads. The research found that 82 people per 100,000 were killed or seriously injured on these roads in 2021.

In 4th place is the London borough of Westminster, which also saw a very similar proportion of people involved in serious or fatal traffic accidents.

Wales features for a 3rd time in the top 5 for the number of people killed or seriously injured:- Monmouthshire recorded 78 serious injuries or fatalities roads in 2021.

In contrast, Bath and North East Somerset has the safest roads in mainland Britain, after 18 people out of a population of 196,357 were killed or seriously injured in 2021.

Aberdeen City and East Dunbartonshire, both in Scotland, come 2nd and 3rd for Britain's safest roads. Per 100,000 people, there were 12 deaths or serious injuries in Aberdeen City and 14 in East Dunbartonshire, in 2021.

Wales makes a notable appearance in the list again, but this time it's for a positive reason. The country's 2nd largest City, Swansea, has 1 of the lowest rates of serious traffic accidents, with 15 people per 100,000 involved in them in 2021.

The full results of the research are as follows:-

Most dangerous roads in Britain

Most dangerous roads in Britain including:- Local Authorities off the mainland, the Isles of Scilly has the safest roads in Britain, with no 1 killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents in 2021.

Including Local Authorities off the mainland, the Isles of Scilly has the safest roads in Britain, with no 1 killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents in 2021.

Safest roads in Britain

A Forbes Advisor spokesperson commented on the findings:- "The 2 Local Authorities that reported the highest proportion of deaths or serious injuries last year are both located in Wales. The relatively high number of people seriously injured or killed in traffic accidents in Wales could be down to the higher percentage of rural roads in the country, which typically see more casualties than roads in urban areas. However, all parts of the country feature in our:- 'Worst 10' tables, so it's important that drivers take the utmost care when behind the wheel."

The study was conducted by Forbes Advisor, whose editorial team boasts decades of experience in the personal finance space. It is passionate about helping consumers make the financial decisions and choose the financial products that are right for their life and goals.  

The team brings rich industry knowledge to Forbes Advisor's coverage of:- consumer credit, debt, banking, investing, insurance, loans, real estate and travel. Its priority is ensuring its coverage, reviews and advice is backed by research, deep expertise and strict methodologies. 

Methodology:- The research was carried out using ONS data to compare the total number of road casualties in each Local Authority in Britain in 2021 with each area's population, to reveal the rate of deaths or serious injuries per 100,000 people.