HLINks: New Housing LIN report, case study, blogs, and other news.
HLINks - our weekly bulletin - is back after an August break. In this issue, the first after the summer, we round up all the Housing LIN resources that came out last month, highlight relevant news headlines and draw attention to both our new autumn series of regional sector showcases and other events supported by the Housing LIN.
During the summer break we published a new report for Southampton City Council, on the financial benefits of extra care housing. We also published a new case study about the Disabled Facilities Grant, and several new blogs. We also have our usual roundup of news from the housing with care and specialist housing sectors.
New Resources
Identifying the health care system benefits of housing with care
This Housing LIN and Southampton City Council study highlights the health care system benefits of housing with care.
The study found benefits ranging from improvements to residents’ quality of life, reductions in the use of health services and associated resources, and significant cost-benefits for the health system from the use of housing with care services.
Almshouse flats for homeless people: Sir Thomas White Court, Worcester
Following a presentation on the Almshouse Flats for Homeless People project at our recent Housing LIN Midlands regional meeting, Housing LIN Case Study 156 by Frazer Bufton outlines the architectural qualities of the award-winning scheme in Worcester.
New Blogs
The Future of Extra Care Housing – Challenges and Opportunities
This blog contains a report on a recent roundtable event held by Mears Group at the King's Fund. The discussion focussed on the future of extra care housing, and issues discussed include funding ECH, delivery, and changing public perceptions.
Other Blogs
During the summer the Housing LIN published several blogs, including Can Your Home Keep You Healthy and The National Planning Policy Framework 2 Review 2019. You can find these and others on our blog webpage.
Housing for Older People
2019 Spending Review
On Wednesday the Chancellor delivered the 2019 Spending Review which included the first rise in government spending since 2011. Of interest to the specialist housing sector is the announcement that the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government will consult on mandatory accessible housing standards in building regulations, ensuring new properties are built with good accessibility standards to reflect the needs of older and disabled people.
ITV Tonight - Housing Crisis: What Next For The Elderly?
ITV recently broadcast an investigative programme looking at the need for increased housing specifically for older people. Most experts agree we are in the middle of a housing crisis. Could providing more accommodation for our ageing population help free up thousands of family homes?
A home for (later) life?
A new blog from the Centre for Ageing Better argues that building accessible and flexible homes isn't just about later life - it's about making sure our homes are fit for a lifetime of use.
Health and Social Care
Putting Health into Place
The Healthy New Towns programme is an NHS England project which aims to apply learning about the links between housing, health, and design.
The learning from the programme, is outlined across 10 principles which are detailed in these 3 reports and executive summary. It includes actions to create homes that support good health, with specific reference to the HAPPI design principles.
The Housing LIN is a contributor to the programme.
Actions for adult social care providers to prepare for Brexit
- What adult social care providers and local authorities need to do to prepare for a no-deal Brexit - Government guidance
Design and Technology
Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission
The commission is an independent body that will advise government on how to promote and increase the use of high-quality design for new build homes and neighbourhoods. The commission is producing an interim report and it is keen to hear your views on their interim report, which will help inform the Commission’s forthcoming recommendations to government.
Technology to improve accessibility
Technology can do many great things; connect people across the world, build skyscrapers and send people into space. When it comes to accessibility, technology can also play an important role. A lot of the products currently on the market can be used to make life easier for those with physical, cognitive or sensory impairments.
Events
Housing LIN Events
- South West Housing LIN Regional Meeting
- North West Housing LIN Regional Meeting
- Midlands Region Housing LIN Meeting
- North East/ Yorks & Humber Regional Housing LIN Meeting
- Eastern Housing LIN Regional Meeting
- London Region Housing LIN Meeting
- South East Housing LIN Regional Meeting (provisional date)
Promoted by Housing LIN
Next Week
Next week sees the planned formal launch of a new Coalition for Accessible Homes. As a champion of the HAPPI design principles, the Housing LIN is delighted be a founding member and to support the call for more accessible and adaptable homes.