The new government must focus on delivering accessible housing

For wheelchair users like me, it goes much deeper than that. How many of these homes will be wheelchair accessible?

Having a wheelchair-accessible property is vital for me to live independently and if it wasn’t for my accessible home I would have probably quit my job as a nurse by now. Before I lived in a suitable home, I had to drag myself up the stairs of my inaccessible flat, heaving my wheelchair behind me. I can confidently say that my home – provided by Habinteg Housing Association – has allowed me to pursue my career.

Saying that, I know there is still a huge number of disabled people who cannot work due to the fact that their house is inaccessible; some can’t even get in and out of their home without support. The more independent people are, the more likely they are to gain employment.

Research shows that people with an unmet need for accessible housing are four times more likely to be unemployed or not seeking work because they are sick or disabled than those whose needs are met or who are disabled but do not need accessible housing.

It’s been almost six months since former prime minister Theresa May promised a consultation on the accessibility of new homes – and yet, nothing. I am lucky to now have a home suitable for my needs, but countless disabled and older people up and down the country are struggling to live independently in inaccessible and unsuitable properties. The Conservatives need to act on their past promises and urgently prioritise tackling the accessible housing crisis.

I’d also like our newly elected prime minister to prioritise funding for the NHS. Everyone is aware that the NHS is under strain and severely underfunded. The accessible housing crisis is adding to this pressure as people are unable to be discharged from hospital when their housing isn’t adequate for their needs. An accessible home can prevent falls and people being admitted to hospitals which in turn will benefit and take pressure off the NHS.

“Countless disabled and older people up and down the country are struggling to live independently in inaccessible and unsuitable properties. The Conservatives need to act on their past promises and urgently prioritise tackling the accessible housing crisis”

Being both a nurse and wheelchair user means that I’ve seen both sides. I’ve waited for hours on end to be seen by a doctor and have worked overtime, under immense pressure, trying to make my way through a packed waiting room filled with frustrated patients. We urgently need to see more professionals recruited at all levels of our health service, from nurses to occupational therapists, to balance out the demand.

Now that we have come out of the election we can focus on the issues that really matter and I hope the prime minister keeps disabled and older people at the forefront of his mind.

Most of us will need an accessible property at some point in our lives and it’s important that this government makes sure all new homes are built to an accessible and adaptable standard. The announcement seems like a long time ago now, but I’ll be eagerly awaiting for the promised consultation on the accessibility of new homes.

Sarah O’Connor, NHS nurse and Habinteg tenant