Anna Dixon stands up for the Shipley constituency at PMQs

Anna Dixon MP for Shipley, today took her first chance to ask a question directly Keir Starmer at PMQs to push for better accessibility for older and disabled people in newly built homes.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Anna Dixon MP said to the PM: "One in five disabled people in social housing, and one in three disabled private renters, live in inaccessible housing. One of my constituents with severe fibromyalgia and post-traumatic stress disorder lives in a first-floor flat with no lift access.

As we build the 1.5 million new homes that the country needs, will the Prime Minister ensure that they are built to be accessible and adaptable so that disabled and older people can live independently for generations to come?"

Keir Starmer replied: "My hon. Friend is right that everybody needs to be able to access a home that is suitable for them and meets their needs. The planning rules already mean that councils must consider the needs of disabled people when planning new homes.

"We will go further, setting out our policies on accessible new homes very shortly.

"We are boosting the disabled facilities grant by £172 million, helping more people to make vital improvements and live independent lives."