EQUALITY LAW PROPOSALS ‘UNFAIR’

The proposals, part of a new Single Equality Act, would legislate for disability-related improvements to the ‘common parts’ of blocks. This could cause difficulties originating from conflicting demands from various disabled residents in a block with different needs. For example, visibility-related alterations may not be compatible with mobility-related alterations. There may also be potential liability issues and financial considerations. For example, the introduction of apparatus on to stairways for a wheelchair-lift may impact on insurance costs in terms of occupier’s liability and fire safety. It is also unclear whether such an installation would be treated as a tenant’s fixture and, if so, what impact this would have on the landlord/manager’s ability to control the common parts.

FPRA chairman Bob Smytherman, reacted to the proposals by calling on MPs from all parties to work with [the FPRA] to ensure the law meant to prevent discrimination does not discriminate against the very people they are trying to protect.’