Housing LIN Viewpoint 112: All new housing should be accessible... What's the problem?

This Housing LIN Viewpoint by Joan Rutherford, Chair of the Older Person's Housing Champions shares that successive governments have failed to implement Building Regulation M4(2), which ensures accessible housing, as the baseline for all new homes, despite previously announcing intentions to do so.

In Joan's view, the excuses often cited (cost, land constraints, or regulatory delays) are unfounded. The added cost per dwelling is modest (£1,400–£3,000), especially considering the significant savings to health and social care budgets through reduced hospital discharge delays and long-term care needs.

Only 9% of existing homes meet even the lowest accessibility standards, and more than 480,000 homes have been built since 2022 without the benefit of these essential features. M4(2), previously known as Lifetime Homes, ensures that people of all ages and needs, from young families to those with mobility issues, can live independently in their homes throughout their lives.

The Viewpoint highlights case studies and industry examples demonstrating that accessible homes can be attractive, practical, and marketable. The author argues that without stronger national regulation and political commitment, we risk continuing to build homes unfit for our ageing and changing population.