Campaigning

Accessible Housing campaign

Housing is not just about shelter but about enabling people to live their lives fully, safely, and with dignity. A home is the foundation of our lives, and we all should be able to live in a home that benefits our health and wellbeing.

The Issue

Despite promises from successive governments over the past five years, people with disabilities and long-term conditions are still living in homes that are neither adapted nor accessible. It is believed that there are over 400,000 wheelchair users in this position. How can these people be expected to meaningfully contribute to society when a large proportion can’t even navigate their own home?

Man in a wheelchair facing a house that is not accessible to him.

Mandating wheelchair accessible housing within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) would be a significant step towards addressing the under-supply of accessible homes in England. This policy change would require all new housing developments to include a proportion of homes that meet the highest accessibility standards, specifically M4(3) standards for wheelchair user dwellings.

Impact of Mandating Wheelchair Accessible Housing

  • Increased Supply of Accessible Homes: By mandating that a certain percentage of new homes be built to M4(3) standards, the overall supply of wheelchair accessible housing would increase. This would help to meet the current and future demand for accessible homes, ensuring that more disabled people have access to suitable housing.
  • Consistency Across Regions: A national mandate would create consistency across local authorities, ensuring that all regions adhere to the same standards. This would eliminate the current patchwork of requirements and provide a level playing field for developers.
  • Cost Savings: Building homes to be wheelchair accessible from the outset is more cost-effective than retrofitting existing homes. Research has shown that adapting an existing home can exceed the total cost of building an accessible home. This would result in long-term savings for both individuals and the government.
  • Health and Wellbeing: Accessible housing can significantly improve the health and wellbeing of disabled individuals. It allows them to live more independently, reduces the need for residential care, and supports better health outcomes. This, in turn, can reduce the burden on the NHS and social care services.
  • Economic Benefits: Increasing the supply of accessible homes can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in the construction and housing sectors. It also supports the development of inclusive communities, which can attract a diverse population and foster economic resilience.
  • Future-Proofing Housing Stock: With an ageing population, the demand for accessible housing is expected to rise. Mandating accessible housing standards now will help future-proof the housing stock, ensuring that it meets the needs of future generations.

accessible housing campaign new builds example

The Campaign

We are working in coalition with other charities, housing associations and other partners to demand that the Government makes a genuine commitment to increasing the number of wheelchair accessible homes.

Join us on 22 October 2025 as we launch our Accessible Housing Campaign, we are meeting at Parliament Square at 11am.

To confirm your attendance please email [email protected]

Support Our Campaign 

If you want to support this vital campaign, for example by writing to your MP about this issue or by contacting your local healthcare provider to see what bowel care policy they have in place, please contact [email protected] 

Media and PR 

If you see anything in the news regarding this campaign, please get in touch with our media team. Email: [email protected]