It’s time for housing to treat disability as a core priority, not an afterthought

Most housing providers I speak to say they’re committed to inclusion. Yet when it comes to disability, inclusion still too often happens after the fact, both literally and figuratively.

A report published earlier this year by disabled people’s organisation Inclusion London  (opens new window)found that disability is rarely treated as a priority by landlords or developers. That will come as no surprise to many disabled people whose homes simply don’t meet their needs.

Across the capital, only 3 per cent of new homes approved last year met accessibility standards, and fewer than 1 per cent were suitable for wheelchair users. The picture is much the same across the rest of England.

These figures highlight a systemic issue: accessible housing is still seen as a specialist concern rather than a basic expectation. As a result, thousands remain trapped in homes that don’t work for them, families are separated, and the NHS spends around £1.4 billion a year dealing with health problems linked to poor housing.

A shared challenge

Without collective effort, the situation will only worsen. England’s population is ageing rapidly; by 2035, one in four people will be over 65, many living with long-term health conditions. The homes we build today will shape people’s independence, dignity and wellbeing for decades to come.

Starting a national conversation

In my new role as Disability and Access Ambassador for the housing sector, I want to bring together the voices of disabled people, landlords, developers and policymakers. The goal is to understand what’s working, what’s not and how we can make meaningful change.

To kick things off, I’m hosting two facilitated workshops to help set priorities and identify practical early actions. These sessions will bring together colleagues from across the sector – housing associations, local authorities, developers and partners – to share experience, discuss barriers and explore where collaboration can deliver real impact.

Beyond compliance: a better way to do business

Embedding accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also good business. At Eastlight Community Homes, we’ve launched our Resident Members Charter, which gives residents genuine influence. The results have been stronger accountability, better decisions and greater trust.

The same principle applies across the sector. When we design homes that work for everyone, we future-proof our stock, cut adaptation costs and create longer, more stable tenancies. Inclusive design isn’t an optional extra – it’s good asset management and good leadership.

The invitation

This has to be a shared journey built on collaboration, not compliance. Every organisation can start now by:

• Reviewing homes and services against accessibility standards
• Embedding universal design principles in all new developments
• Ensuring disabled people have a voice in governance, design and service planning

We already have the evidence, the expertise and the moral imperative. What’s needed now is the will and the partnerships to act.

Disability inclusion isn’t a favour to a few; it’s the foundation of a fair, safe and sustainable housing system.

It’s time to stop treating accessibility as an afterthought and start seeing it as a measure of success.

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This is the ninth and final blog in a series of Housing LIN guest blogs leading up to the 30th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act.

The series ends in an extended HAPPI Hour webinar on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, where our blog contributors will share expert insights and assess progress on disability, accessible housing, and the built environment.

And, to access a range of resources on accessible housing design, visit the Housing LIN’s dedicated ‘Design Hub’.