Strategy launched to bolster housing - does this offer a 'grey deal'?

Whilst largely aimed at revitalising a 'first time buyers' market, the strategy does recognise the considerable contribution that new housing can also make in stimulating demand for attractive new accommodation for older people, or 'last time movers'. This is welcome news and accords with the recommendations of the recent All Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People Inquiry report, "Living Well at Home" about the need for a clear housing 'offer' for older people.

Commenting on the strategy Jeremy Porteus, Director of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (LIN) stated: "with the growth of an ageing population in the UK over the next 20 years, we now have a clear marker on how planners and developers must take note of the demand for improved housing choices for older people. However, this must be coupled with sector improvements in the way we plan, design and deliver of housing and strike a chord with what older people want to be the real 'grey deal'. To this end, the Housing LIN is working with sector leaders to produce a Resource Pack to enable local housing, health and social care economies conduct change and orchestrate the supply of innovative local housing solutions for older people."

The pack, alongside the evaluation of the Department of Health's extra care housing programme, will be launched by the Housing LIN at a major conference on 8 December in London.

To keep up to date on the latest news and views on housing and care for older people, subscribe to our influential newsletter, Housing with Care Matters at www.housinglin.org.uk/userAccount/register