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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to incentivise people to downsize to smaller homes so that under-occupied family homes can be released into the housing market.

The Government has announced £10 billion investment in housing supply since the start of this Parliament, with housing supply interventions due ultimately to unlock over 1 million new homes over the Spending Review 2021 period and beyond.

At the same time, the Government recognises that a better choice of accommodation to suit changing needs can help older people remain living independently for longer and feel more connected to their communities.

The Government has established an independent Older People’s Housing Taskforce to look at how a greater choice of housing might be provided for older people, including for those who wish to move from their home, releasing family homes into the market.

The year-long Taskforce launched in May 2023 and the Government is looking forward to receiving its final recommendations in 2024.