80% of associations will not comply with new disability law

The findings – revealed in an informal National Housing Federation survey – also showed that just 33% of the 79 respondents expected to comply with part three of the 1995 act within a year.

However, the Disability Rights Commission has warned that it would help disabled people sue organisations for discrimination under the new act. It said needing extra time for planning or to find funding was no excuse.

A DRC spokesman said: “This has been on the statute book for nine years so it doesn’t wash to say you have suddenly to find extra money.”

Under part three, organisations must remove physical barriers to access by disabled people.

The survey, which was based on a questionnaire sent to all NHF members in August, revealed 30% of associations do not have a disability strategy or action plan. Only 62% have a lead officer looking at disability.

Jaqui Wan, policy officer for the NHF, said: “It’s not a reflective picture, but there’s an indication that some associations are doing really well in terms of awareness of the issues but some need more assistance.”