The leading provider of affordable and accessible homes, Habinteg launched a campaign last week to promote the creation of more accessible homes. On the 8th of September, the organisation held Habinteg’s For Accessible Homes day as a day of action in order to raise awareness of the demand for accessible housing.
A number of events were held last week by staff and tenants to champion an increase to the levels of development. The campaign that has been launched by Habinteg urges the government, local councils and property development companies and house builders to meet the demand for accessible homes. There is a well reported housing deficit at the moment, however the availability of accessible housing is even more remote.
The creation of more homes and communities that can be inhabited by the disabled and the non-disabled alike will lead to more inclusion in all aspects of life. Habinteg argue that creating homes that are accessible for all will allow more and more people to live independently and lead to further inclusion in community life, the education systems and the workforce. The new campaign that has been launched by Habinteg is essential to open up the discussion and raise awareness of accessible housing.
As part of the campaign, Staff and tenants of Habinteg have visited Parliament in order to meet a wide selection of MPs including Penny Mordaunt MP, the Minister for Disabled People and a member of the Shadow housing team, Melanie Onn MP. With 11.9 million disabled people in Britain and a significantly ageing society, it is vital to offer more accessible housing however at the moment only 7% of the homes in England offer even the m0ost basic accessibility features.
By delivering an increase in this housing stock, savings can be made in other areas. Allowing greater independence leads to a reduction in health and social care costs to help people be, or remain independent. Also better inclusion across all aspects of society which is a benefit of providing accessible housing communities will lead to a reduction in social exclusion and isolation.
