Providers call for commitment to older people's services

Retirement housing providers Anchor Trust and Housing 21 call on the government to voice its support for older people’s services, following the publication of an influential select committee report.

The Communities and Local Government Select Committee’s report on Supporting People was published today (Tuesday 3 November). The committee of MPs described the future of accommodation-based services for older people as “a major concern”. This was amid evidence that retirement housing is increasingly competing against other services for funding.

Anchor and Housing 21, which together have more than 1,000 retirement housing schemes across the country, both submitted evidence to the committee and urge the present Ministerial working group to review if sheltered housing should remain in the SP regime . They also ask that it develops a long-term strategy on the future of sheltered housing that looks at both capital and revenue support and consults with key providers in the field.

Anchor Trust Group Services Director Sara McKee said: “With the number of people aged 85 and over rocketing faster than any other age group in the UK, it is time that the government developed a coherent strategy for the provision and funding of housing and support services for older people.

“We are glad that the select committee have taken our message on board. With public sector funding being stretched ever tighter, we hope today’s report gives some added impetus to government to respond to the demographic challenge.”

Melinda Phillips, Chief Executive of Housing 21 added: “We are delighted that the Committee have recognised the valuable role sheltered housing has played in supporting older people’s independence. We urge the Department of Communities & Local Government to take on board its recommendations and to become an ambassador for sheltered housing. “