New homes to cater for ageing population

25 February 2008

Older people are to benefit from more comfortable and secure housing under plans unveiled by the Prime Minister this morning.

New guidelines, outlined in the first housing strategy of its kind anywhere in the world, aim to create "age-friendly" housing so more people can stay in their homes close to friends and family for as long as possible.

From 2013, new housing standards will ensure wider doors allowing easy access for wheelchairs and electrical sockets at convenient heights.

Many older and disabled people are already benefiting from the 'handyman' scheme where essential maintenance and repairs are taken care of by trusted professionals. The service is to expand thanks to an extra £33m of funding.

The Prime Minister met with older people who have already benefited from adapting their homes at a breakfast reception in Downing Street this morning.

Mr Brown said in the strategy foreword that he wanted homes to be safe and familiar havens rather than "obstacle courses" to be tackled each day. The strategy sets out the Government's committment to give people "more influence over their own lives as they grow older", he added.

"This strategy sets out a package of measures that will enable more older people to live in high quality, warm environments that are suited to their needs - homes that help to make life easier, and to turn the challenges of ageing into opportunities."

• Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society is available on the DCLG website (new window)

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears will be here from 11:00 this morning to discuss the new plans and other aspects of her work.

Hazel's responsibilities include creating safe and inclusive communities, empowering people to have a bigger say on local issues and developing better homes and neighbourhoods for all, including vulnerable groups such as older people.

• Log in and pose a question to Hazel