Effects of an ageing population on housing associations in the UK
- 29 Jan
A think tank's new report has shown that the ageing population of the UK could mean that housing associations face an extra £1 billion bill by 2034.
It is estimated that there will be over 16 million people aged over 65 in the UK by 2034 - nearly 3 million will be over 85, 24dash reports.
The Smith Institute's report, sponsored by Genesis Housing Association, predicts that housing associations with 30,000 homes will have 7,500 more tenants aged over 65 within the next 20 years. This will create extra revenue pressures of £12.5 million.
However, many housing associations are not ready to meet the needs of an additional half a million tenants aged over 65.
Although social housing providers do consider how their tenant population will change over time, it is difficult to maintain a long-term plan which takes into account the potential effects on future housing.
90% of the housing associations that took part in the study understood that they need greater preparation in order to deal with the ageing population. Also, 80% were worried about financial losses occurring when trying to meet the upcoming challenges of the next decade.
The report suggests stronger links between the social housing sector and the NHS are needed to ensure the integration of housing services and health and social care services so the best support can be provided for older tenants in their homes.
Further difficulties that the social housing sector may face due to the ageing population include tenants' lower financial security, higher occurrences of disabilities and health conditions and greater social isolation. The Smith Institute has recommended that housing providers engage more with their current and future older tenants to satisfy their preferences.
Director at the Smith Institute Paul Hackett stated, "This report is a wake-up call to everyone involved in providing affordable homes for older people. It is clear from the report's findings that housing associations and the healthcare sector need to do more and be better prepared, and that without extra funding we will not be able to house our ageing population adequately".
Chief Executive at Genesis Neil Hadden stated, "While Genesis is delighted to support this timely and relevant report, which will help to shape the thinking of providers, stakeholders and Government on this critical issue, it does demonstrate that the sector has much to do to prepare for the reality of an ageing population.
"It's positive that the vast majority of housing associations recognise the scale of the challenge, but this awareness isn't currently matched by preparedness across the board. The sector must keep pace with the changing needs and growing proportion of its older residents, who in many cases face greater health, economic and social challenges than the general population".
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Related articles
- 02 Nov
THE ONS PLANS TO CHANGE THEIR DECISION TO MAKE HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS PUBLIC BODIES
According to reports by 24 Housing, the ONS said the following:Gavin Smart, Chartered Institute of Housing's deputy chief executive also said:"Although we have been expecting this decision for some...
- 30 Aug
RECENT ANALYSIS FINDS THAT THE HELP TO BUY SCHEME HAS ADDED TO THE INFLATION OF HOUSE PRICES
The analysis of the Help to Buy Scheme revealed the following:The chief executive of Paradigm Housing Group, Matthew Bailes, said:" ... clearly, it worked well for developers, and for providers, it...
- 22 Aug
A NORTH WALES COUNCIL REVEALED THEIR WAITING LIST FOR NEW HOMES HAS REACHED BREAKING POINT
The north Wales Council revealed their waiting list for new homes has reached "breaking point".According to Clare Budden, Flintshire Council's community enterprise chief officer said:"There are...
- 17 Aug
HOMELESSNESS POLICY IS UNDER REVIEW IN A NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL
Kettering Borough Council has amended its letters to homeless residents to let them know of their right to request a temporary accommodation review.According to an ombudsman, Michael King:"People in...
- 15 Aug
FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS HAVE CAUSED THE CLOSURE OF MANY CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES
Local Government Association (LGA) made the following findings:Chair of the LGA's children and young people board, Richard Watts, said: "The reality is that services for the care and protection of...
- 11 Aug
RESIDENTS OF BUILDINGS IN LEDBURY ESTATE, SOUTHWARK, SOUTH LONDON WILL BE MOVED OUT TEMPORARILY
The buildings in Ledbury Estate in Southwark have been constructed in a similar way to Ronan Point, a tower block in Newham which collapsed in 1968 as a result of a gas explosion, killing three. An...
- 10 Aug
THERE IS A DECLINE IN THE HOUSING MARKET IN LONDON AND OTHER PARTS OF THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) made the following findings:Chief Economist at Rics, Simon Rubinsohn:"Sales activity in the housing market has been slipping in the recent month...
- 07 Aug
REPORT FINDS THAT PEOPLE ARE INTENSELY SUFFERING FROM LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOMES IN SCOTLAND
According to the report by "Shelter":Shelter's deputy director, Alison Watson, said:"This report shows the disproportionate impact of Scotland's housing crisis on young people and private renters who...
- 02 Aug
NEW REPORT BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNT COMMITTEE IN WALES COMMENDS HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
The report which was put together after nine months of inquiries stated the following:Nick Ramsey, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said:"Generally, we found governance and regulation within...
- 31 Jul
LONDON COUNCIL URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE MEASURES TO END LETTING FEES FOR PRIVATE RENTERS
The London council say urgent action is needed because the government has not provided "a clear timescale to introduce its own measure", Letting Agent Today, reports.Last year, the government had...
The Welfare Reform Act: Universal Credit, Sheltered and Supported Housing The content was concise and to the point. The content was relevant to our service, and gave us a better us a better indication of were stand with upcoming changes. Rosie Kaur - Panahghar
