24housing magazine

February 2010

We've got the Xtra-factor this month. For several years now, ‘Xtra’ Care has been embraced as a solution to the issues we're facing over our growing population of older people, many of whom require assistance and support to live their lives to the full. Extra Care comes in many forms, but our cover feature focuses on the financial future of so-called ‘pensioners' paradise’ extra care housing schemes. In the last decade, thousands of older people sold up and decamped to purpose-built communities, complete with hairdressers and health care. In our special report, we investigate how the housing market slump has stalled the development of such schemes and how their future is looking – to say the least – shaky.

Have you entered our new Retrofit Best Practice Award yet? We're delighted with the response we've had so far to our campaign to equip social landlords with the inspiration and knowledge you need to bring your properties up to a decent environmental standard. We have some motivational words from high profile environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, who writes exclusively for 24housing this month. More on www.24dash.com/campaigns

And I'm afraid we couldn't let this February issue of 24housing pass by without at least lip-service to Cupid. Workplace love. You're spared a guide to office romance, but no apologies for the counselling session on job satisfaction. Happy Valentine's.  

Jane Gething-Lewis
Editor, 24housing Magazine