28 September 2007

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone published two reports that aim to help increase the supply and choice of accessible homes available to disabled and Deaf Londoners.

The London Plan sets a target that at least ten per cent of new homes should be either wheelchair accessible or easily adaptable for wheelchair users - a policy reinforced last week when the Mayor launched his draft Housing Strategy that aims to ensure all Londoners have access to a decent, affordable home.

The first report ‘Wheelchair accessible housing’ provides best practice guidance for planners and developers on designing wheelchair accessible homes as well as how to design new homes that are easily and cheaply adapted for the future needs of a wheelchair user.

The second report ‘Housing choice for disabled Londoners’ sets out what must be done by social landlords and other stakeholders to deliver London’s Accessible Housing Register to ensure that disabled and Deaf Londoners have information, access to and greater choice in housing that meets their specific needs.

The reports were launched today at a City Hall conference entitled ‘Housing choice for disabled Londoners’ attended by local authorities and leading London house builders, developers, housing associations, and organisations for disabled people.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said:

‘The severe shortage of accessible homes in the capital means that disabled Londoners are twice as likely to be living in unsuitable homes which is an appalling inequality we must address. Both reports support the practical delivery of my Housing Strategy and commitment to ensure that disabled Londoners have greater choice and access to homes that are suitable for them to lead independent lives.’

To download a copy of ‘Housing choice for disabled Londoners’ click here

To download a copy of ‘Wheelchair Accessible Housing Best Practice Guidance’ click here

The launch of the two reports is part of ‘Disability Capital’ that culminates in a conference at the Excel Centre on Monday 8 October 2007. Mayor Ken Livingstone will be joined by government ministers, policy makers and industry leaders at the event which brings together Deaf and disabled people from across the city. Guest speakers will include Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, Peter Hendy, Commissioner, Transport for London, Michael Lynch, Director of the South Bank Centre and the American investigative journalist Edwin Black.

For more information on 'Disability Capital' click here