26th November 2024
Commenting on the publication of the Task Force report, Emma Webster, Chair of Retirement Housing Group which advocates for all types of housing for older people in the UK, said:
“This report goes to the heart of how we can significantly increase the supply of specialist housing for older people in the UK and in doing so improve choice and affordability for people when the time comes to downsize.
“By urging the need for planning reforms which actively incentivise housing for older people and a National Housing Strategy for an Ageing Population this report has set out immediate practical steps and a longer term policy direction which will help address the chronic and longstanding undersupply of specialist housing for older people.
“The UK has an ageing population for which much of our housing stock is simply not fit for purpose. When people downsize into retirement housing we know they are less likely to be lonely and more likely to have greater peace of mind safe in the knowledge they can retain their independence but help is on hand should it be needed. In turn it is also the case that when people downsize so older, second-hand properties are released back onto the market helping younger generations up the housing ladder.
“This report charts a path to helping the UK achieve the vast health, social and economic benefits that come from retirement housing becoming a more established and accessible part of the housing journey, and we urge the Government to act promptly on its findings.
“We are grateful to members of the taskforce who worked so hard to deliver such a thorough report, and in particular Professor Julienne Meyer as Chair and Richard Morton who brought his considerable expertise to be bear in representing the RHG on the taskforce.”