LONDON, England, 25 February,
2008 /GNN/ --
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT News Release (038) issued by
The Government News Network on 25 February 2008
The Government is today
publishing a major new housing strategy giving older people
greater choice and addressing the challenges of an ageing
population.
Hazel Blears and Housing Minister Caroline Flint will announce
a range of measures to bring about a fundamental change in the
way we build future
communities alongside an expansion in existing support
available to older people that will help them to live safely
and, where they choose, independently in their own homes.
Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A National Strategy
for Housing In An Ageing Society is the first of its kind in
the world. It represents
a major shift that puts housing in the frontline in both
supporting older people's aspirations and preventative care,
placing the needs of older people at the heart of policy
making.
Hazel Blears said:
"Demand for housing is high - being driven to a large extent
by older people. Not only do we need to build more homes, but
the right kind of homes too. That means 'lifetime homes'
suited to families with pushchairs right through to older
people in wheelchairs.
"By making age friendly changes both inside and outside of
homes we can help to break the link between old age and
dependency."
The Ageing Strategy focuses on the work that is being done by
government in the short and longer term to improve housing and
neighbourhoods to make them better meet the needs of older
people.
Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:
"This is about giving all older people a better choice. The
vast majority of people want to stay independent in a suitable
home at they get older. We have a responsibility to support
that desire by increasing the housing choices that are
available.
"Meeting the needs of an ageing population is one of the major
challenges we are facing as a society. But whilst it's a big
challenge, even a small
change or adaption to a home can transform an older person's
life."
Announcements to 'future proof' all new homes will include:-
* From 2013, we want new standards for all new homes meaning
they are built to age friendly designs marking a fundamental
change in the way we currently build homes. Sixteen key
features make up the 'Lifetime Homes' standard and will mean
that wider doors, improved design of bathrooms and staircases
big enough to take stair lifts will be a feature of every new
home - ending the need for costly adaptations. We will review
take-up in 2010, with a view to bringing forward regulation in
2013 if take-up in the private sector has not matched market
need or expectations. Research shows that better thought-out
and more flexible design means these simple, commonsense
changes could be made without significant additional extra
costs.
* To accelerate progress, from 2011, all new social housing to
be built to the 'Lifetime Homes' standards - ensuring the
public sector is leading the
way in supporting older people. By 2011 we will be building 50
per cent more social housing than we do today, tens of
thousands of tenants will benefit from the new standards.
Government also wants to see more 'age friendly'
neighbourhoods:
* Lifetime neighbourhoods. A new drive with local planners and
key partners like design experts CABE will be launched to
promote new 'age-friendly
cities'. It will look at how new developments, neighbourhoods,
towns and cities can be better designed for older people.
Just as our homes have not been built with an ageing
population in mind, neither have many neighbourhoods -
research suggests one million older people feel trapped in
their own homes with poor neighbourhood design a significant
factor. Figures suggest that around one third of older people
leave their homes on average only twice a week.
New implementation guidelines will set out how developers and
councils should carefully consider better paving and kerb
design, convenient access to public toilets and amenities,
good street lighting, well located bus stops, information
services, disabled parking bays and accessible public
transport.
Eco-towns, of which ten are planned nationally, will be the
first 'age-friendly cities'. The Olympic Village will also
promote exemplary inclusive design and lifetime neighbourhoods,
thereby maximising the potential legacy for all after the
Games finish.
And to better support older people in their current homes, we
will:-
* Develop a national rapid repair and adaptations service
which will support a major expansion of handyman schemes
across the country. Backed up by £33 million of investment,
this will enable an extra 125,000 older people every year to
get repairs and adaptations to their home to support them
living independently.
* Establish a new dedicated National Housing Advice and
Information Service providing expert advice for older people
As well as helping older people to access low cost or free
maintenance and repairs services for their homes carried out
by trusted professionals, the advice line will also provide
crucial information and guidance to support older people
making choices about their accommodation needs for the future
- ensuring that they are fully aware of all the options that
are open to them and keeping them safe in their homes for
longer.
* Increased funding through the Disabled Facilities Grant to
support more people make crucial adaptations to their homes
now. £460 million will be available over the next 3 years (a
30% increase) for changes such as installing stair lifts, walk
in showers and wider doors. Adaptations of this kind can help
people stay mobile and live independently for longer.
Demographic trends show that more people are living longer. By
2026 older people will account for almost half (48 per cent)
of the increase in the total number of households - this will
result in an additional 2.4 million older households than
there are today.
The Government is clear that urgent action is required now to
better design communities and support older people.
The Strategy is key to better meeting older peoples'
aspirations to remain independent in later life whilst
ensuring a major new emphasis on practical prevention of
accidents and injuries that can put a strain on the budgets of
local councils and health services.
Research indicates that home safety modifications and
adaptations can reduce falls by up to 60%. Older people's
falls already result in 1.25 million hospital admissions each
year, at a cost to the NHS around £750 million.
Paul Cann, director of policy and external relations at Help
the Aged, said:
"This strategy is enormously important. Housing is the
backbone of older people's quality of life, affecting their
health, well-being and independence.
"We live in an ageing population and our housing must meet the
needs of older people, both now and in the future. We're
delighted the Government seems to have taken this on board.
The commitment to housing advice, repairs and adaptations will
help older people who want to continue to live independently
now. The promise to build new houses to 'lifetime homes'
standards will mean there is more appropriate housing for
people of all ages in the future.
"Older people often tell us that they want to live in their
own homes for as long as possible. This strategy will
hopefully be a spring board to this becoming a reality."
Source: Communities and Local Government
Website:
www.communities.gov.uk
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