Government fails to deliver accessible social housing for disabled people in rural areas

Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has challenged the government over its failure to ensure adequate provision of accessible social housing for disabled people in rural communities—including those in Yeovil and across Somerset.

In response to Mr. Dance’s parliamentary question, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP touted the government’s recent funding commitments for affordable housing. However, his response failed to provide any specific guarantees that rural areas, particularly those with high demand and limited accessibility, will receive the necessary support for disabled residents.

While the government has pledged £2 billion for social and affordable housebuilding, the minister’s statement offered no clear assurance that rural communities like Yeovil will benefit, nor did it address the urgent need for specialist housing for disabled individuals. With more than 7,800 homes expected to be built under the Affordable Homes Programme, there is no certainty that any of them will be appropriately designed for those with mobility issues or other disabilities.

Adam Dance MP has expressed deep frustration at the government’s lack of a targeted strategy for rural social housing, stating:

"This response from the minister is deeply disappointing. The government talks big on funding, but there is no commitment to ensuring that disabled people in Yeovil, Somerset, or other rural communities will get the homes they need. Without clear guarantees, local councils and housing associations are left in the dark. It is simply not good enough."

The Liberal Democrats have long championed equitable access to housing, calling for greater transparency in funding allocations and ring-fenced investment for accessible homes in rural areas. Mr. Dance is pressing for urgent action to ensure that disabled residents are not overlooked, and will continue fighting for fairer, more inclusive housing policies.