A government appointed taskforce designed to expand suitable housing options for older people has been launched.

The Older People’s Housing Taskforce, which has been brought together by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) held its first meeting at Grace House, a retirement living scheme in St John’s Wood, hosted by Aster Group.  

The Taskforce includes directors from charities like Age UK and the chair of the Home Builders Federation, to local government leaders, chief executives of housing associations and professors on health and long-term care, bringing together independent experts who will help transform housing options for older people.  

Led by professor emerita of nursing, Julienne Meyer, the Taskforce will speak to residents and their families about their experiences on issues such as what older people want from their housing as they age, affordability and consumer protection.  

Professor Meyer said: “I am excited to be working with such an expert group, and really glad this important work is now getting underway. I’m going to make sure that the voices of older people are heard at the heart of this Taskforce. So one of the things I want to focus on immediately is putting people first and consumer protection.  

“We have an ageing population and urgently need to address the lack of supply and quality of older people’s housing. Whilst we want to support older people to live in their own homes for as long as they wish, existing housing stock is unsuitable for many and people are missing out on the health benefits of specialist housing.  This needs to change.” 

The Taskforce will run for up to 12 months, producing an independent report to DLUHC and DHSC.  

It will be made up of three subgroups focusing on older people’s priorities, the housing and financial options available, and closely working with local planning authorities to deliver a wide range of opportunities for older generations.