Last week, Difference members came together to talk disability & housing. This conversation was part of our ‘Members Make the Difference’ series, where we tackle the real challenges disabled people face and work towards change.
The Housing Crisis for Disabled People – Members Talking Disability Housing
Members shared the difficulties of finding and keeping accessible housing. One key issue raised was the lack of accessible homes being built. “In 2024, it was estimated that in the North East, only one accessible home was planned for every 119 people who needed one.” This shocking statistic highlights why we need to push for change.
High rents and the dominance of the private rented sector (PRS) were also flagged as barriers. “I lived in the North Yorkshire coastal area, and high rents were driven by demand for holiday homes” one member shared. Another pointed out that landlords often refuse to make adaptations, leaving disabled tenants without suitable options.
It was felt that the minority of homes that were accessible to disabled people, only considered them as individuals, not parents. For example, one member said, “there’s an assumption that disabled people are not or cannot be parents, I’m a disabled parent, and it’s really difficult getting anything bigger than a two-bedroom house, even ones that are not adapted.”
Developers & Government Inaction
A key frustration was how housing developers prioritise profit over accessibility. “Our council’s Local Plans need to include the M4(2) standards, but developers oppose them,” one member explained. These accessibility standards would ensure that new homes are adaptable for disabled people, yet developers lobby against them because they see accessibility as an added cost rather than a necessity.
Government policy has also failed disabled people. “The Government has talked for years about raising housing standards to an accessible and adaptable level—but nothing changes.” Instead of enforcing stricter accessibility regulations, the current government has promised to ‘tear up planning regulations’, which members fear will make the situation even worse. Without strong planning rules, developers will continue to prioritise profit over disabled people’s right to accessible housing.
Adaptations & Accessibility Barriers
Another major frustration was that adaptations are often removed when a tenant leaves, meaning accessibility gains are lost. “I’ve heard that even when a home is adapted, as soon as the person moves out, it’s stripped back to standard” said one participant. This wastes resources and forces the next disabled tenant to start from scratch.
Even within social housing, the system isn’t working. “A family with a wheelchair user can’t just jump the queue for a suitable social house,” one member pointed out. The housing system fails to prioritise those who need accessible homes the most.
What Makes a Home Truly Accessible?
When asked what a truly accessible home looks like, members had clear ideas:
Energy efficiency isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
“With continual energy rises, it has been hard to heat homes. There’s also the added cost of running hoists, stair lifts, and charging wheelchairs. If housing was built to be more suitable—with good insulation, heating systems, and possibly solar panels to offset costs—it would make a huge difference.”
Where disabled people are housed matters.
“Some members in Darlington say they are scared to go out at night in their local areas—not well-lit, gangs of youths, and they feel vulnerable.”
“Someone was telling me recently about moving to a new area and now being targeted for abuse (hate crime). They are getting support, but it made me think—some thought needs to go into where disabled people are being housed.”
Space is non-negotiable, yet so many homes fail to provide it.
“We need space for equipment—wheelchairs, specialist equipment.”
“We need the Space to be the people that we have a right to become, even parents, we need an adapted house and also room for children.”
Planning decisions are failing disabled people.
“So much of why people buy houses is tied to care needs in old age. But councils don’t plan with that in mind.”
“Our council’s Local Plans need to include the M4(2) standards, but developers oppose them.”
The system puts all the burden on disabled people.
“Disabled people don’t have the energy to fight for everything—benefits, housing, good healthcare. It shouldn’t be this hard just to get a home that works.”
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) exist, but they are underfunded and difficult to access.
“There’s so much conversation around Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs), but not enough real change. The process is complicated, and people don’t always know what they’re entitled to.”
“Even when you do apply, it takes ages. Some people just give up because the paperwork and delays make it feel impossible or die before their home is made accessible”
“The bigger issue is that there just isn’t enough money in the system. There are limits on how much funding is available, and many people don’t get what they actually need.”
The Fight for Change
This discussion made it clear: accessible housing isn’t a privilege—it’s a right. We need to fight for better policies, more inclusive planning, and housing that truly meets disabled people’s needs.
Difference is campaigning on this issue over the next three years. The system is stacked against us—but together, we can fight back.
