Posted 07.10.16
The Government needs to shift its housing obsession away from first-time to later life buyers and occupiers, said delegates at a conference held by housing law firm Winckworth Sherwood.
Over 50 delegates from housing associations, housing charities, social care providers and local authorities joined Winckworth Sherwood today for its third annual Housing for Older People Conference.
A survey of delegates at the conference found that 60% agreed that the Government's focus on first time buyers is misplaced, driven largely by the economy, and that its focus should be largely on the later life housing. Just 10% believed the Government's current focus is right.
At the same time, however, delegates threw down a gauntlet to developers and providers, saying much greater choice is needed.
Delegates were told that the last home should be the pinnacle of the housing journey, and not one of compromise. Later life housing should focus less on care and more on hospitality and lifestyle.
When asked whether development design can be blind to tenure and age, 90% of delegates agreed, with calls for providers and occupiers to work together, creating flexible spaces that work across a range of ages and needs.
The conference concluded with calls on developers, planners, care providers and local authorities to focus their provision on the individual, not the scheme, to ensure that homes are delivered in the way residents want and in locations where they are needed.
