Supported housing developments targeted by HCA action plan

A housing report released by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) has calculated that ten per cent of England’s new housing developments are now focused on supported living for older people and others with care needs.

£1bn has been invested between 2008 and 2011, resulting in 18,500 more homes for the elderly thanks to funding provided by the National Affordable Housing Programme.

Despite this increase in supported housing availability, the Agency has recognised the need for on-going development due to the challenges of an ageing population, releasing an ‘action plan’ for 2012-13 dedicated to further regeneration by inspiring new ways of using investment and resources.

In collaboration with the Vulnerable and Older People Advisory Group (VOPAG), the Homes & Communities Agency’s action plan has targeted key areas through which better housing for older people can be achieved: the securing of investment, effective working with local partners, adherence to equality and diversity, and the availability of land resources, while the ability to keep up-to-date with emerging Government policies will also be essential.

Commenting on the HCA’s success, VOPAG’s director of the Housing and Learning Network, Jeremy Porteus, said, ‘I am impressed with the HCA’s commitment and investment in transforming the lives of older and vulnerable people and the communities they live in. The dividend is that this can prevent more costly health and care interventions at a later date and therefore offers value for money to the public purse’.

Reported on yesterday (27 February), newly-opened Shenley Wood Village, in Milton Keynes, is one such example of supported housing projects the HCA and VOPAG have made possible, through working closely with care providers like the ExtraCare Charitable Trust and local councils.