The Housing LIN's Jeremy Porteus sets out his top 5 wishes for 2023

Wish No1 for 2023

The establishment of an Older People's Housing Task Force

In a recent Parliamentary debate, the new Housing Minister, Lucy Frazer MP reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a Task Force on housing for older people. My first wish is for the Task Force to be established this spring as an urgent priority. 

Wish No2 for 2023

The implementation of the Housing Transformation Fund

Set out in the Department of Health and Social Care's 2021 White Paper, I believe this proposed £300m package over 3 years can be a 'game changer' for local councils working with housing, health, and social care partners. My wish is to see its full implementation so that local authorities can now begin to access the support to put in place the building blocks to transform their local housing market.

Wish No3 for 2023

Opening up the call for bids to the Care and Support Specialised Housing (CASSH) Fund

In addition to the Housing Transformation Fund, the Department of Health and Social Care White Paper allocated £213m capital over 3 years in December 2021, with no further details released since. My third wish, therefore, is that government urgently publish a CASSH prospectus so that bids can be received and allocations made to create a steady pipeline of new specialist and supported housing schemes from 2023 onwards.

Wish No4 for 2023

The adoption of the TAPPI principles by industry

Drawing on the lessons learned from the developments of the age-friendly HAPPI design principles over 10 years ago, my fourth wish for 2023 is to see the TAPPI principles co-designed in housing, health and social care policy and coproduction firmly embedded in operational delivery. 

Wish No5 for 2023

The inclusion of accessibility standards in Part M of the Building Regulations.

The Housing LIN is a long-time champion of the HAPPI design principles and also a founding member of the HoME Coalition calling on improved accessible design standards and to have these reflected in Part M of the Building Regulations. With a National Disability Action Plan now promised by the government this year, my final wish is for it to firmly commit itself to introducing Part M 4(2) in order to 'level up' on accessibility and ensure architectural quality is achieved for all at the soonest opportunity. 

Looking forward to 2023

I look forward to seeing how many of my wishes come true in 2023!

Lastly, our weekly bulletin HLINks resumes Friday, 13 January 2023. Ahead of our next HAPPI Hour webinar series in April, we're excited to be working on this year's virtual Summit - A Festival of Ideas - details to follow!

Stay networked with the Housing LIN in 2023 on housing with care matters.

Stay connected, stay curious

Jeremy Porteus CEO at Housing LIN