FAQs: National Disability Strategy (UK)

The UK Government has responded to a report on the experiences of disabled people in the housing sector, which was published by the former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in 2024. Propertymark provided evidence to the inquiry and has written to current housing minister Rushanara Ali, MP, renewing our calls for a more robust and inclusive approach within the UK’s wider housebuilding agenda.

The Northern Ireland Executive has published a draft Fuel Poverty Strategy with proposals for improving energy efficiency in homes, protecting consumers, and fostering collaboration across sectors. Propertymark supports the key principles but has highlighted critical areas that need further consideration, including achievable timescales, sensible exemptions, and cost caps that reflect property values.

The Scottish Government has launched a review of fire safety regulations following the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017. Recommendations from the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) highlighted key safety failings and proposed regulatory changes to prevent similar incidents in the future with a particular focus on traditional buildings converted to be used as hotels.

Harmless plants, including Bindweed and dogwood, are frequently mistaken as Japanese knotweed, leading to unnecessary alarm and potential complications during property transactions, and further education is needed to help with identification.