Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if his Department will undertake an analysis of the benefits of owner-occupied retirement housing to residents of that housing; and if his Department will bring forward proposals to increase delivery of that housing.

The Government believes that meeting the housing needs of our older population is key to helping people to live well and remain healthier longer. That is why we are providing £400 million over the Spending Review period to deliver 8,000 affordable specialist homes for the vulnerable, elderly or those with disabilities. A commitment to funding from the Department of Health could deliver up to a further 7,500 units over the next five years.

The National Planning Policy Framework directs local authorities to plan for a mix of housing based on current and future demographic trends, and the needs of different groups in the area, including older people and disabled people. In March 2015 we strengthened planning guidance to encourage local authorities to recognise the importance for planning for older people’s housing.