New homes - enhancing accessibility, adaptability and usability: consultation analysis

21. Conclusions

Many individuals and stakeholders participated in the consultation, sharing their views on the proposals to enhance the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland’s homes. Reflecting on their experience and perspectives, this report provides a high-level summary of the consultation responses. (For more detail, readers are encouraged to read individual responses where permission was given for publication via the Scottish Government’s consultation website).

Analysis of the closed questions shows broad support for the proposals put forward in the consultation to update Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide. Typically, over half of the respondents to each question agreed with all the proposals, with around seven to eight in 10 agreeing with either some or all the proposals in questions where multiple proposals were presented. The highest levels of support were recorded for proposals related to power sockets (Question 36), wet floor shower facilities (Question 26 and Question 27) and Section 6 of Part 1 of the current guide about the overall plan of a dwelling (Question 2).

The closed questions also recorded support for the proposals related to the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard. However, Question 42, about the proposed exceptions to identify the design criteria within the updated Housing for Varying Needs design guide that will not be transposed into building standards, recorded the least support across all 34 questions which asked respondents if they agreed with all, some, or none of the proposals. Just under two-thirds (64%) of those answering Question 42 agreed with all or some of the proposed exceptions.

The most prevalent theme in open comments was the perceived cost implications of the proposals and their potential adverse impact on housing affordability and supply. Other possible disadvantages were also identified, including unintended consequences for residents such as reduced accessibility and decreased storage space. Some suggested that more should be done to protect the needs of wheelchair users in the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard.

However, respondents also commented that the proposals across the consultation paper would enhance the accessibility of homes, particularly for groups such as older people, disabled people, people living with dementia and families who use prams and pushchairs.

The responses provide valuable and informative evidence to draw on when planning the updated Housing for Varying Needs design guide and the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard. Overall, the key message is that while there is broad support for the proposals, respondents identified challenges and potential consequences that should be considered when informing next steps.