Council launches older people's housing review

A draft 10-year housing plan for older people in Haringey has been published.

Local residents and other interested parties are being asked for their views on Haringey Council’s draft older people’s housing strategy for 2010-20 which has three main aims:

* to enable older people in the borough to live independently for as long as possible;
* to improve the quality of older people’s housing; and
* to offer real housing choices to meet the needs of older people both now and in the future.

The draft strategy says that the number of older people will increase over the next 15-20 years, especially those aged over 85.

It adds: "This age group typically requires more care than younger people. The cost of this to local authorities will increase exponentially.

"We know that older people want to remain in their own homes if possible and not move into residential or nursing care when their needs become too great."

Cllr John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

"People should have the choice of whether they move into specialist housing or stay in their own homes.

"We need to provide and help to facilitate a range of options regardless of whether they rent or own their property. Many do not want to leave their homes where they have raised their families and enjoy living in their local area that they know well.

"However, others would welcome the opportunity of moving to a smaller property with less work and expense involved, if attractive opportunities were available."

The consultation document is at www.haringey.gov.uk/older_peoples_housing_strategy.htm