I want to make it compulsory for chronic illness/long-term health conditions (not necessarily life-limiting) to be on the Extra Care and Supported Housing Strategy for every council, in the hope that the housing needs of those with long-term illnesses will be highlighted and addressed. This especially needs to be looked at for under 65's. 

In the UK, more than 15 million people are currently living with at least one chronic condition and this number is expected to continue to rise. Chronic Illnesses are long-term and rarely 'tick' boxes for support.

Statistics published in July from the English Housing Survey 2018/19 revealed that just 9% of homes in England have key features, such as a toilet at entrance level and sufficiently wide doorways, to deem them accessible. In my county 3 years ago, it was reported that 800 wheelchair users were thought to be living in accommodation that was unsuitable to their needs. Furthermore, around 34,000 households in Northumberland had at least one family member with a physical disability; half of whom are under 65 years of age.

I have been chronically ill/disabled for 12 years and my battle for an accessible house has gone on for years now. I have to stumble up the stairs or can be bedbound. I cannot invite my (disabled) friends over. And, as a disabled advocate, I hear of so many people in exactly the same situation so it's time for change.