Equality and Human Rights Commission inquiry into housing for disabled people

disabled-homes-stockThe Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into the housing experiences of disabled people in Scotland.

The national equality body is seeking views from disabled people, housing providers and other relevant organisations as it attempts to understand whether the availability of accessible and adaptable housing, and the support services around it, fulfils disabled people’s rights to live independently.

Three questionnaires, one for each group, have been issued with a particular focus on the experience of disabled people since 2014.

The Commission wants to hear the views and experiences of disabled people and organisations on housing and tenancy support provision. This includes the effect it has on disabled people’s choice and control over their housing situation and their right to independent living.

It also wants to hear from housing providers, including housing associations, Arm’s Length Management Organisations (ALMOs) and private landlords, about how they allocate homes and monitor and plan to meet the housing and tenancy support needs of disabled people. It is also interested to hear about any good practice and barriers they face in doing this.

In spring 2017, the Commission will carry out a survey of all local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland on the same areas. It expects the formal response from local authorities to be provided by the survey.

Individuals working for local authorities may wish to complete the housing provider’s questionnaire, giving a personal response based on their experience.

The information received will form an important part of the evidence the Commission considers for its formal inquiry into housing and disability.

Interested parties can respond online by clicking one of the following links, or see other ways to respond.

  • disabled people, their families and carers
  • disabled people’s organisations and other voluntary sector and community sector organisations
  • housing providers
  • The closing date is 23:59 on April 18.

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