Frank Field – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Communities and Local Government

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Frank Field on 2015-11-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what guidance his Department provides to housing associations on the proportion of their new build properties that must be capable of adaptation.

Brandon Lewis

The Government does not issue specific guidance to housing associations on the proportion of their new build properties that must be capable of adaption.

Local authorities are best placed to understand the housing needs in their area. National policy sets out clearly the need for local authorities to plan for the housing needs of all members of the community.

On 1 October, new optional Building Regulations came into force to make new homes more adaptable to peoples changing needs over time. Housing associations could choose to implement this, or any other adaptable housing standard, when setting standards for the new homes they build.

Separately through the Care and Support Specialised Housing fund the Government is providing up to £315 million to build over 4,000 specialised homes for older and disabled people.