WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE HOUSING

Early day motion 80, tabled 17 May 2005 by Glenda Jackson (Labour). Signed by 99 members.

That this House recognises the chronic shortage of housing suitable for people who are wheelchair users; notes with concern the research published by John Grooms indicating a countrywide shortfall of 300,000 wheelchair accessible houses; believes that all new housing should be built for equality not inaccessibility; regrets that the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 did not tackle this issue; further notes that barrier-free housing remains an `unfinished puzzle'; recognises that a disabled person finding a suitable house is like winning the prize in a lucky dip; welcomes the target within the London Plan that 10 per cent. of all new housing should be either fully wheelchair accessible or easily adapted; and calls on the Government to require all regional housing boards to introduce a similiar 10 per cent. target into their future housing strategies.

Signatures by party: Labour 62, Liberal Democrat 22, Conservative 6, DUP 5, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.