Call for Housing Providers to Improve UK Homes

Aiming to ensure that the UK’s homes are equipped to meet the needs of an aging population, a group of housing leaders and academics have come together to advocate for urgent action.

Lord Richard Best, speaking at the House of Lords launch event for the campaign “Fit for our Future,” highlighted the critical importance of addressing the housing needs of the country’s aging demographic. With 45% of individuals residing in general needs social housing already being over 60 years old, Lord Best emphasised the necessity of enabling independent living for older members of society.

Dr Rachel Russell from Foundations, the national body for Home Improvement Agencies in England, pointed out the need for proactive measures in the housing sector to prevent emergencies and ensure the well-being of all residents. Drawing a comparison with other industries that incorporate resilience and backup systems, Dr Russell stressed the importance of implementing quick, efficient solutions to support quality of life for older and disabled individuals.

Foundations director Paul Smith encouraged housing providers to apply for local authority Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) on behalf of their customers, enabling tailored solutions to meet specific needs and ultimately improve outcomes.

David Orr, chair of Clarion Housing Association, commended the emergence of initiatives like Invisible Creations and Fit for our Future as part of a broader push for innovation in the housing sector. He highlighted the need for a clear national vision and strategy for housing, aligning with recommendations from the Homes for All report.

Laura Wood, director of Invisible Creations, urged all housing providers to support the Fit for our Future campaign, emphasising the transformative impact of inclusive design on people’s lives. She stressed the importance of developing strategies for change in the housing sector to enhance accessibility and sustainability.

Organisations interested in supporting the campaign can access the free toolkit and additional resources here.