EHRC makes final call for evidence in disabled housing inquiry

The independent statutory body is carrying out the inquiry to discover whether current housing for disabled people is sufficient, and is soliciting evidence from disabled people as well as housing providers and staff working for housing providers.

Questions cover the number of homes provided specifically for disabled people as well as asking those responding to the survey – whether they represent them officially or not – to rate their organisation’s ability to deal with the requirements of disabled people.

David Isaac, chair of the EHRC, said: “We are using our unique legal powers to hold this inquiry into the chronic lack of accessible housing for disabled people as well as the many barriers faced by those who need to adapt homes to their specific needs.

“It is to society’s shame that rights of disabled people have stalled, and we need to ensure they are no longer left behind in all areas of life, including housing and independent living.”

So far, the inquiry has received more than 1,000 responses from disabled people and their families, disabled people’s organisations, housing providers and voluntary organisations. The deadline for contributions is midnight on Tuesday 18 April, and the EHRC says it is especially interested in hearing about the experiences of disabled people from ethnic minorities. Contributions can be made here.

The responses that have been submitted so far cover issues including the difficulties in getting an accessible home or adaptations, the lack of information about what accessible housing is available, the provision of tenancy support services, and concerns about future provision of accessible housing.

UPDATE: At 3.45pm on 12.4.2017

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