A recent report from Shelter concerning the shortage of properties available for older people in the U.K has provoked a demanding response from the ARLA.
Concern
Shelter’s report is entitled, ‘A better fit: creating housing choice for an ageing population.’ Its content has led ARLA member Peter Girling to call for the Government to act.
Girling believes that more private rented accommodation should be made readily available for the older members of the population. He said that the ARLA, “share Shelter’s concerns about the acute shortage of appropriate housing to meet the needs of older people in the U.K.’[1]
He goes on to comment that, ‘housing for older people in the U.K is simply not being planned,’ and describes this as a, ‘travesty,’ that will lead to, ‘long-term social problems and government-induced crisis.’[1]
More housing options needed for over 55’s
A need to rise
Girling suggests that by the year 2030, a third of people in the U.K will be over the age of 55. Worryingly, if trends continue and if Girling is correct, housing to accommodate this group will need to rise by 70%,[1]
Currently, there is limited mid-range housing or bungalows available to privately rent. In addition, there is said to be an acute shortage of housing for people with mobility issues.
More incentives
With many people living alone in large properties, Gilding says that they are unlikely to willingly downsize and therefore sought-after family properties are being mis-used. He says that offering more incentives could be the answer to solve some of the problem.
Gilding says that the ARLA, ‘have seen inquiries for our retirement rental properties rise by 13%.’ He goes on to state that the ARLA have, ‘a range of different options available, enabling people to choose whether they want to rent on lifetime tenancies, assured shorthold tenancies or buy their property.’
Shelter’s full report can be found here http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/427730/Policy_report_A_better_fit.pdf
[1] http://old.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/news_features/More-housing-needed-for-over-55s
