Older people’s housing isn’t getting the priority it needs

The previous Conservative government recognised this issue back in 2023. They launched the Older People’s Housing Taskforce, independently chaired by Julienne Meyer, professor emerita of nursing, to look at ways to boost the supply of specialist housing for this group.

They noted that we need an estimated 30,000-50,000 homes for older people per year to meet the demand of an ageing population, but build only around 7,000 a year.

When I talk about housing for older people, I’m not referring to care homes – which is what people often think of. I’m talking about housing that is suitable for older adults who may need to downsize or move into a property better adapted to their mobility or health requirements.

“While first-time buyers battle high prices and strict lending rules, millions of older adults face a housing system that ignores their changing needs”

The taskforce’s review looked at both public and private sector housing for older people, with a particular focus on the middle-income bracket. Also known as the ‘squeezed middle’, they might not qualify for social housing, but still need affordable options.

The taskforce submitted its findings last May, right before Rishi Sunak, the prime minister at the time, called the election, and finally published them in November. The government said it would “consider this issue further as we develop our long-term housing strategy”.

The findings were reasonable, deliverable without cost to the public purse. However, the momentum created by the taskforce’s work has, unfortunately, been all but lost.

There is currently no plan for a national policy statement or development management policy covering homes for older living. There is no recognition of the need to include housing for older people in large mainstream developments. And there is no new means by which to provide more information and transparency, which would help to build consumer trust and confidence.

The case for prioritising and accelerating the delivery of homes for older living is clear. It creates capacity in the housing market as people downsize and properties are freed down the chain. There’s the reduction in loneliness and increased well-being among the older population, and the reduced burden on the NHS and social care, with less chance of accidents.

It also reduces fuel poverty, as new homes are built to much higher environmental specifications. It supports local economies, as older residents tend to spend more locally, breathing life back into high streets. These are all desirable outcomes the government should seek.

“It creates capacity in the housing market as people downsize and properties are freed down the chain”

It is time the government realised the potential of housing for older living and put this at the same priority level as housing for young families and first-time buyers. Creating activity in the market is an important step to get our housing sector moving, and critical to achieving the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million homes in this parliament.

In the next 40 years, the number of people aged 65 to 79 is projected to surge by nearly 30%, reaching over 10 million. The population aged 80 and above – currently the fastest-growing age group – is expected to more than double, exceeding six million.

Now is the time for the government to feed the taskforce’s recommendations into its long-term housing strategy and ensure that this demographic is not overlooked.

Mike Reader, MP, Northampton South