A survey of 69 housing associations, which together deliver a third of supported and sheltered homes in England, found plans to build new homes for older and disabled people are down from 8,800 to 1,350 units.
This follows months of Government indecision about how to fund supported, sheltered and extra care housing. A Green Paper, expected to detail the proposals, was due before the summer but has now been delayed until the end of Autumn.
Responding to the survey’s findings, Sue Bott, deputy CEO of charity Disability Rights UK, said:
"It is truly shocking to learn today from a survey by the National Housing Federation that housing associations are having to cut plans to build housing for older and disabled people by 85% because of Government dithering and inaction.
Housing is a vital component in disabled people being able to live independent lives and participate in their community.’
This follows news that a group of deaf and disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) have submitted evidence to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which purports to show Government cuts to disability support amounts to ‘human rights violations.
This survey adds to the body of evidence that has been presented to the UN committee this week examining the UK's implementation of the disability rights convention that the right of disabled people to independent living is being seriously eroded.
Government needs to get a grip and start working for all citizens including disabled and older people."