Housing for older people in the UK is being ignored by the Government which is failing to provide the choice that is needed despite the publication of its recent Housing White Paper, it is claimed.
The options currently available are confusing for buyers and there are fears that the number of private developers entering the retirement homes sector could mean high service charges.
A new report from law firm Winckworth Sherwood and Housing LIN, a specialist housing network of housing, health and social care providers, also says that a lack of clarity over choice and costs means people are holding back on decision to move to more appropriate housing for their needs.
The research found that 80% of those surveyed believe the Government’s apparent focus is unfairly skewed towards first time buyers although the majority, some 70%, welcome the entry of private developers.
Location, availability and affordability are the key drivers behind the decision to move to retirement housing but there is a high uncertainty surrounding service charges and this is preventing people making a decision to move.
The survey also found that 48% believe there is a need to develop more extra care and supported housing schemes, 45% believe local authority adult social care services should address housing need and 46% believe housing should be an enforceable human right.
The report also highlights that whilst the top and the bottom ends of the market are well catered for by private providers and local authorities, they account for just 20% of the market. The remaining 80%, the squeezed middle, face uncertainty and difficult decisions.
‘An individual’s final home should be the pinnacle of their housing journey and not one of compromise. All too often that is not the case,’ said Charlotte Cook, a Partner specialising in later life housing at Winckworth Sherwood.
‘Our survey shows that whilst local authorities and private developers are responding in some interesting and innovative ways, almost all feel that the Government has overlooked this important and expanding housing market in favour of headline grabbing initiatives aimed at first time buyers. Yet in 2017 more people will turn 70 than ever before,’ she added.
Jeremy Porteus, managing director at Housing LIN, is calling for a clearer long term strategy. ‘People aged over 65 are involved in some 40% of all housing moves. The Government and our industry need a long term strategy that addresses the expectations and the care and support needs of all involved that reflects the scale of this market and to introduce measures that give older people confidence about the decisions they must take,’ he pointed out.
