There are currently around 11 million people aged over 65 years in England and Wales, and by 2029 there will be 2.1 million more, highlighting the growing disparity between supply and demand.
Based on that, the report sets out three recommendations to the Government to support an increase in supply of housing-with-care:
- The UK Government should establish a Housing for Older People Taskforce
The taskforce’s remit will be to recognise and promote the benefits of purpose-built housing for older people, with a particular focus on housing-with-care, and to provide local authorities with the resource to help plan for such accommodation with local need in mind.
- The UK Government should develop and publish a national strategy for Housing for Older People.
As per the recommendations of the 2017 CLG Select Committee inquiry into Housing for Older People External Link, the Government should establish a strategy that reinforces the national significance of this issue.
- The national strategy should ensure all forms of appropriate housing is provided for older people as a key part of national and local housing targets.
Priority should be given to projects that exhibit a commitment to achieving the UK’s zero carbon ambitions.
The government should consider implementing measures to fast track planning projects that exhibit high sustainability standards while addressing the pressing demand for housing for an ageing population.
Download the report, or get in touch with one of our retirement living specialists.
