29 February 2008
All new housing should be built to higher standards by 2013 to reflect the complex needs of an ageing population, the government declared this week.
The 'lifetime homes' standard, which includes wider doorways, better designed bathrooms and the potential to install stair lifts, will be a requirement for new social housing from 2011, followed by other homes two years later.
According to the Department for Communities and Local Government, 'age-friendly' housing allows older people to live at home longer so that they are less dependent on local authority care facilities.
Speaking at the launch of the DCLG's housing strategy for an ageing society – Lifetime homes, lifetime neighbourhoods – on February 25, housing minister Caroline Flint said most people wished to retain their independence as they grew older. 'Even a small change or adaptation to a home can transform an older person's life,' she added.
The strategy calls on public sector housing to lead the way. The take-up of the standard among private builders will be reviewed in two years to see if regulation is required to make it universal in 2013.
'Age-friendly cities' are also proposed, with better street paving, greater access to amenities and improved public transport. The ten proposed eco-towns will be among the first developments to include these features.
To help pay for adaptations, the disabled facilities grant is being increased by a third to £460m over the next three years.
But private developers warned that further regulation might slow down construction. Stewart Baseley, chair of the Home Builders' Federation, said: 'We need a sensible debate as to how the genuine needs of older people can be balanced with the broader imperative of housing affordability.'
The Royal Town Planning Institute had a similar view. General secretary Robert Upton said: 'There is no point in improving standards if the cost of doing so means the average family can no longer afford to move in.'
However, the National Housing Federation said private builders should meet the standard at the same time as housing associations. The Local Government Association said councils would need extra resources.
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