Walsall Borough Housing Strategy 2026 - Requirements of specific groups from the HMA

The NPPF (para 61, 63) and PPG require local plans to reflect the needs of various groups, including families, older people, those with disabilities, looked-after children, and self-builders.

• Families with children: Projected to increase from 47,475 (2025) to 55,097 (2042); lone parent share from 33.3% to 35.6% (HMA, Ch. 7, Table 7.6).
• People with disabilities: 19.1% of the current population are disabled under the Equality Act; increased accessible housing is essential (HMA, Ch. 7, Table 7.5).
• Looked-after children: ~600 children in care, with specific accommodation and placement needs (HMA, Ch. 7, Table 7.8–7.10).
• Self-builders: 127 registered applicants as of Spring 2025; demand below national average but rising (HMA, Ch. 7, para 7.71)