Inquiry into sheltered and retirement housing

Age UK has established a representative panel of residents to review sheltered and retirement housing in England. Our inquiry hopes to publish the results of its findings in the summer of 2012, as the basis for further discussion with policy makers and politicians.

We are currently seeking contributions to the inquiry.

Background

Age UK supports the development of affordable retirement to give everyone better housing choices as they get older. Retirement housing allows older people to opt for accommodation which is more manageable, supports independence and gives access to social networks and activities.

Age UK wants to see the development of attractive, well located and affordable retirement housing for future generations, that does not have the stigma associated with some retirement schemes of the past. At the same time we want to draw attention to the issues raised by residents to help shape and influence new and existing retirement housing.

Previously, we helped residents bring to light the reduction in scheme managers (or wardens) in sheltered schemes with the publication of ‘Nobody’s Listening’(PDF 1 MB). This looked at the extent of the decline and the implications for vulnerable older  residents. The report contributed to a resident’s campaign led by SHUK (a national sheltered housing residents group), culminating in the establishment of a ministerial group, under the previous government. The group published specific guidance to address the issues raised by residents. These were:

Effective Resident Involvement and Consultation in Sheltered Housing

A Guide to Making Complaints for Sheltered Housing Residents

More Than Just a Few Kind Words - Reshaping Support in Sheltered Housing

All these reports are all available on the   EROSH (Essential Role of Sheltered Housing) website.

Age UK also published a short report on unfair service charges in the private leasehold sector ‘Putting retirement housing in order’ (PDF 127 KB). This reflected the concerns of residents groups, such as CARLEX (Campaign Against Retirement and Leasehold Exploitation) that some service charges are unfair, particularly exit fees. The Office of Fair Trading is currently examining this issue. Age UK is working with residents to influence the Code of Practice used by the retirement housing trade body, the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM).

Inquiry themes

The first meeting of the inquiry took place in September 2011. The broad themes agreed by the residents panel include:

• Affordability
• Legal advice and advocacy
• Influencing and consultation
• Home for life

Submitting evidence

If you have issues you would like to see raised by the Inquiry, based on your own experience, please let us know. Email: housing@ageuk.org.uk or write to Residents Inquiry, c/o Janet Joseph, Age UK, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA.

As well as problems we would like to hear about the positive experiences of living in retirement housing and practical measures or ideas, which you think could help to improve the sector.

The inquiry cannot provide legal help on individual cases but if you need advice please contact Age UK Advice on 0800 169 6565

Further information and resources

Key reports

 Breaking the mould – re-visioning older people’s housing (National Housing Federation)

  Housing our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation (Homes and Communities Agency)

 Housing markets and independence in old age: expanding the opportunities (Henley Business School) (PDF 1.7 MB)

Useful links

 Elderly Accommodation Counsel - advice on retirement housing

 Essential Role of Sheltered Housing (EROSH) - provider group promoting sheltered housing

Joe Oldman (Age UK) and Pauline Vernon (independent consultant) are facilitating the work of the inquiry. If you would like any further information about the inquiry please email: housing@ageuk.org.uk