Plan-making guidance

The government has published ‘Plan-making’ guidance which consolidates on number of aspects relating to planning requirements; from statutory duties and the role of plans to maintaining effective cooperation and a sound evidence base to delivering strategic matters and local interventions.

While the guidance does not provide specific details on planning for age-friendly communities, as recommended by the recent Older People’s Housing Taskforce (November 2024), it makes one reference to housing for older people and disabled people as part of a local authority’s Monitoring Report. It states:

“Local planning authorities must publish information at least annually that shows progress with local plan preparation, reports any activity relating to the duty to cooperate, any information collected which relates to indicators in the plan, and any policies which are not being implemented. Local planning authorities can also use the Authority Monitoring Report to provide up-to-date information on the implementation of any neighbourhood plans that have been brought into force, and monitor the provision of housing for older and disabled people. It can help inform if there is a need to undertake a partial or full update of the local plan, when carrying out a review at least every 5 years from the adoption date.”

With thanks to Innovate UK’s funding, the Housing LIN has been working with Ipsos to better understand the housing aspirations of ageing population. Drawing on the largest UK survey of its kind, the Housing LIN/Ipsos initial findings can be found in the following publication, Older People’s Housing Preferences (December 2024).