News

An additional 20,000 new and improved homes for people with disabilities are planned, social justice minister Jackie Baillie has announced.

Baillie was speaking at a seminar in Edinburgh to launch a new advice leaflet, 'Home Truths', published by Ownership Options, a user-led charity aiming to create equal access to the owner occupied sector for people with disabilities. The leaflet recounts the experiences of people with disabilities in trying to access appropriate housing, and how their problems were resolved through ownership solutions.

Baillie said that the new Housing (Scotland) Act will improve housing opportunities for people with disabilities. As well as aiming to provide an additional 20,000 homes over the next three years, local authorities will be given new duties to devise housing strategies for their areas. Building Regulations have been amended to require all new and converted dwellings to have a variety of features facilitating access for people with disabilities.

Baillie said: "Over time, all these measures – and many more – will mean improvements to the overall housing stock. Disabled people will have increased choice, and be able to live in the community where they want and in the tenure they choose."

Pete Ritchie, policy officer of Ownership Options, welcomed the executive’s stance but urged: "It’s time for the mainstream housing system to get its act together. The 100,000 disabled people in Scotland who live in unsuitable housing are ready to move."

'Home Truths' from Ownership Options on 0131 661 3400.