31 August 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal

The Women and Equalities Committee has launched an inquiry into the accessibility of buildings, public spaces, and homes.

The House of Commons investigation is calling on written evidence that focuses on a number of issues including government policy on and current provision of accessible properties (including commercial premises) and the effectiveness of UK legislation, policies and standards on accessibility in the built environment. 

It also asks for evidence that focuses on the design and management of the public realm and how well accessibility is taken into account in the design of a building.

In a statement, the committee states the importance of looking into the accessibility of buildings. It said: “With an ageing population, it is likely that more and more of us will experience reduced mobility in our lifetime. There are also other needs to consider, such as mental health. In this inquiry we explore the extent to which those needs are considered and accommodated in our built environment, and ask whether more could be done to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of both new and existing properties and spaces.”

Committee chair Maria Miller said: “This area raises some interesting questions, and there is a great deal of scope for innovation. For example: how can building information modelling and modern methods of construction, contribute to making environments more accessible and inclusive? How can we deliver greater accessibility and inclusivity alongside more age-friendly towns and cities, including liaison with the NHS? To what extent do shared space schemes in roads and highways cause barriers for disabled people and how can these be resolved? 

“We need to ensure that buildings and public spaces are as accessible and inclusive as possible, and that communities can fully engage with the process of decision-making that shapes the accessibility of the built environment.”