People with physical disabilities
People with physical disabilitiesWhat "home" means to people
Across engagement activities, participants described “home” as closely linked to independence, familiarity and the ability to live safely within their community. For many, home was not defined by specialist provision, but by whether a property enabled everyday life without unnecessary restriction.
"Bungalows in cul de sacs feel safe."
"Homes with access to good bus routes is essential."
"We want peace and quiet."
Participants expressed a strong desire to remain in their own homes or move within their local area, rather than into specialist or institutional settings. Familiarity, social connections and access to trusted services were highly valued, even where current homes were not fully accessible.
Home was described as somewhere people want to live long-term, including as needs change.
Participants valued homes that could be adapted over time, even if adaptations were not immediately required.
Living close to shops, public transport, health services and community amenities was consistently described as essential. Participants spoke about the impact of poor transport links on their ability to attend appointments, maintain routines and stay connected.
For people with physical disabilities, home is experienced as independence, continuity and safety within a familiar community. The ability to remain at home or move locally, adapt properties over time and access everyday amenities is central to wellbeing and quality of life.
Our strategy will prioritise adaptable mainstream housing and inclusive design, with location, access to amenities and community considerations.
Our aim is to provide accessible and adapted homes that will support independence and safety. We aim to provide accommodation that will enable community participation and improve quality of life.
Current position: estimated number of households with a wheelchair user in Cumberland
| Type of wheelchair household | Number of people |
|---|---|
| Continuous user of a wheelchair | 1,145 |
| Indoor only wheelchair user | 509 |
| Outdoor only wheelchair user | 2,926 |
| Total | 4,580 |
Current position: number of people requiring physical support in Cumberland receiving local authority funded support in 2023 to 2024
| Disability | Number of people aged 18 to 64 years | Percentage of total | Number of people aged 65 years and above | Percentage of total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical support: access and mobility only | 94 | 27% | 248 | 11% |
| Physical support: personal care support | 252 | 73% | 2,014 | 89% |
| Total | 346 | 100% | 2,262 | 100% |
Estimated need for fully wheelchair adapted homes and accessible homes in Cumberland by 2039
| Year | Accessible | Fully wheelchair adapted |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated need by 2029 | 4,632 | 303 |
| Estimated need by 2035 | 9,264 | 605 |
| Estimated need by 2039 | 13,896 | 908 |
Short term and medium term priorities
Short term and medium term prioritiesThe short term priorities for 2026 to 2028 are:
- deliver a range of mandatory and discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants (including tech enabled) through Cumberland Home Improvement Agency, that enable independent living and prevent or delay people needing to move to specialist accommodation
- work with Registered Providers to ensure best use of existing stock by allocating adapted homes through the council’s housing register and direct matching or nomination rights
- increase the supply of accessible and adapted accommodation for use as emergency Temporary Accommodation for those presenting through the homelessness pathway
The medium term priorities for 2028 to 2031 are:
- aim to meet the Centre for Ageing Better design standards in new housing developments to reduce the need for future adaptations such as ramps and grab rails
- make available suitably adapted accommodation in extra care housing or supported housing
- improve access to larger family homes for households with a person with physical disabilities, and homes that can accommodate a live-in carer
- with providers increase the supply of new accessible (M4(2) adapted properties by 4,632 units
- with providers increase the supply of new adapted (M4(3) properties by 303 units
- develop supported housing for the small number of working age adults with complex physical and related health or care needs and people who may have an acquired brain injury