Older People's Housing taskforce launched

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Department of Health and Social Care have launched and Older People's Housing Taskforce to boost suitable housing options for older people.

The government-appointed taskforce met for the first time in London. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, working with the Department for Health and Social Care, has brought together a team of experts to lead the work. The group will report back to Government on how it can improve housing for older people.

The Taskforce will focus on ensuring the Government is offering a range of housing options for older people to make sure the housing market works for older people, now and in the future, and gives them greater choice in where they choose to live.

It is hoped that providing homes with support will help reduce costs to the social care and health systems, giving older people more independence in their own homes.

Housing minister Rachel Maclean said: "Older people must have access to the right homes in the right places that suit their needs.

"I have seen first-hand today how good quality homes have greatly improved the lives of older people. The Taskforce’s important work in the coming months will help support our commitment in delivering quality housing across the country.

“I’m looking forward to listening to the Taskforce’s findings as we help the growth of a thriving older people’s housing sector in this country.”

Minister for care Helen Whately said: "Most people want to stay living in their own home for as long as possible. That means having the right sort of homes to make that possible.

"Our Taskforce is about making that happen - so that as people thankfully live longer, you can also enjoy more years of independence living the way you want to.

"I look forward to working with all the experts we have brought together in the taskforce, and putting older people’s voices at the heart of this work."

Image by Fernando Nando from Pixabay