UK Parliament Launch disability and the built environment inquiry
An inquiry into disability and the built environment has been launched in the UK by the House of Commons, Women and Equalities Committee. The scope of the inquiry will include the accessibility of homes, buildings and public spaces and recognises that with an ageing population it is likely that more will experience reduced mobility during their lifetime. The inquiry will explore the extent to which accessibility needs are currently considered in our built environment and question whether more can be done to increase accessibility of both new and existing properties.
The committee has invited submissions in relation to both private homes and commercial properties. The following are some of the key issues that the committee will focus on:
- How adequate is the supply of accessible properties?
- Is the UK Government taking the need for accessible homes into its policy on housing needs?
- Is there sufficient compliance with Building Regulations and what can be done to increase compliance?
- Do current standards take into account the full range of disability and impairment needs?
- How well does the current Part M of the Building Regulations and Approved Document M perform?
- Is adequate consideration given in relation to design of public spaces?
- How well is inclusive design built into the training of built environment specialist such as planners, designers and architects and is their sufficient continuing professional development training provided for built environment specialists?
- Are communities engaged in the processes that shape the accessibility of the built environment?
For further details on the disability and the built environment inquiry click here.
Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about making buildings accessible or developing access policies please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected].
