13. How is the Welsh Government ensuring housing in Wales meets the needs of people with disabilities? OAQ(5)0009(CC)

I thank the Member for her question. We provide guidance to local authorities on assessing housing need and to enable access to accessible homes and on the design of new social housing.

Thank you. I recently met with my inspirational constituent, Mia Thorne, aged just nine, who is an ambassador for Caudwell Children Wales. During our discussion, Mia highlighted concerns about inconsistencies in building regulations, for example regarding door width so that wheelchair users can navigate around their own home. How does the Welsh Government engage with disabled people to make sure that housing is fit for their needs?

That’s a very important question about listening and learning from individuals and their experiences, and as a Minister, I’m very keen to enhance that opportunity. Listening to the views of people with disabilities is important, and I welcome the points you raise through Mia Thorne today. We are also keen to work closely with other organisations to make representations as and when they require. Part M of the building regulations provides for all new housing to have accessible approaches to the main entrance, usable toilet facilities at the entrance level, and suitable door and corridor width to make them accessible for a range of disabilities. I think what we need to do is continue to learn about the experiences that people have on a day-to-day basis, which will influence Government policy long term.