“Accessibility requirements must become standard for new homes” – RIBA urges government to update the Building Regulations

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today responded to the government consultation on the accessibility of homes with an urgent request to ensure all new homes are accessible to meet the needs of the UK’s disabled and aging population.

In response to the consultation, which proposes five different options for policy change, the RIBA urges the government to:

• Mandate the current M4(2) requirement in Building Regulations to ensure all new homes meet minimum accessibility standards. This means no steps no steps between the pavement and the main entrance and more space to move around all areas of the home(1).
• Ensure all new accessible homes also meet Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS) critical for health and wellbeing.
• Investigate the social impact and cost to mental health of not mandating accessible housing.

RIBA President, Alan Jones, said:

“Across the UK, millions of people, particularly those who are older or disabled, live in homes that don’t meet their needs. England’s existing housing stock is simply not suitable for our ageing or disabled population – and new homes often offer nothing better. By 2025 the over 60s will make-up over 25% of England’s population(2), and that number will grow. We need accessible homes built to Nationally Described Space Standards to meet the needs of our population. Our Building Regulations must be amended now to ensure all new housing is fit for future generations.”

Read the RIBA’s full consultation response here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. M4(2) – Accessible and adaptable dwellings: This category is described as ‘age-friendly’ or ‘lifetime’ housing. This standard ensures no steps between the pavement and the main entrance, more space to move around in all areas of the home, and that features are easily adaptable to improve accessibility and functionality in the future as needed. For example: the walls are strong enough to install grab rails if required, there’s a hidden floor gulley to allow a walk-in shower or wet room to be easily installed, the staircase is wide enough to allow a stairlift - simple things built into the structure and space of the home that allow a person to remain independent for longer. These standards make home comfortable for the millions of us who find it hard to move around our homes or use a wheelchair for part of the time.
2. Office for National Statistics, Population projections for regions: Table 1 (London: ONS, 2019)
3. Press contact: Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811.
4. The RIBA is a member of the HoME Coalition; other members include the Centre for Ageing Better, Habinteg, Age UK, Care & Repair England, Disability Rights UK, Housing LIN, the National Housing Federation, the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Town and Country Planning Association.
5. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.