The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a
formal inquiry to examine the extent to which disabled people's
right to independent living is supported by the provision of
accessible and adaptable housing and tenancy support services.
The Commission has a legal power, under section 16 of the
Equality Act 2006, to conduct an inquiry into anything relating to
its equality, diversity and human rights duties. Conducting an
inquiry is a way for the EHRC to gain a clear picture of a
particular sector or issue, where they feel there is a benefit to
wider society.
The inquiry will examine the lived experience of disabled people
and the extent of any shortfall in accessible and adaptable housing
and the availability of tenancy support services in England,
Scotland and Wales.
It will aim to identify whether disabled people are able to
assert and achieve their right to independent living through
housing provision, and whether or not local authorities are
fulfilling their obligations under equality and human rights
legislation. The EHRC expect the inquiry to report in early
2018.
Full details, including the terms of reference, can be found on
the EHRC website.
The EHRC will be taking evidence to the inquiry in the new year.
Full details about how to do this, and the particular areas they
are interested in, will be available early next year on their
website.
If ARCH members have any comments or queries please contact EHRCHousingInquiry@equalityhumanrights.com.