'A new housing strategy for all?' commentary from Nigel Saunders

Building on the Older People’s Housing Taskforce report and in anticipation of the upcoming government Housing Strategy, which is expected to focus on measures that facilitate the goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, Nigel Saunders chatted to Housing LIN to highlight the importance of choice in housing.

Not surprisingly, the common theme across all responses is the urgent need for the Housing Strategy to address the housing needs of an ageing population. Key points include:

• The importance of increasing the supply of age-appropriate housing, particularly through social rent and supported housing.
• There is a focus on improving housing design, making it accessible and adaptable, while encouraging intergenerational communities.
• Additionally, respondents emphasise the role of technology, investment in refurbishment, and the need for government support, including funding, planning reforms, and policy changes.

Overall, the responses stress the importance of providing choice, flexibility, and well-designed homes that support independence and well-being.

Nigel commented “This is an incredibly exciting time to be involved in the design of our nation’s future housing solutions, especially those that respond to our expanding ageing population, its needs and aspirations.

In considering what to build and where, there is a compelling social, health and economic case for housing provision in later life to be a key part of the “big picture” solution to the nation’s housing crisis.

Our big ask is that greater choice is provided. Housing our ageing population is not a one size fits all agenda. We need to raise the aspirational bar, providing greater choices for people in later life to help them maintain active, fulfilling lifestyles in a range of settings.

Whilst specialist housing is important in providing support and care for those that require it in later life, we also need to be providing intergenerational solutions, creating places for all age communities to grow and thrive together.

We are privileged that our work at Pozzoni is so diverse, embracing homes for all age groups, types, tenures and levels of affordability. It gives us the opportunity to look holistically across housing typologies, as we are currently doing within our proposals for a new 600-home “healthy neighbourhood” alongside the North Manchester General Hospital. This project highlights the opportunities for the government’s Housing Strategy to embrace and encourage a range of housing solutions for all ages, thereby contributing positively to communities’ social, health and economic outcomes. Whilst solving the housing crisis, we seize the opportunity to deliver much needed social value and celebrate the lifestyle benefits of age diverse communities across the country.”

Read the Housing LIN article in full here.