Housing 21 News

Housing 21 welcomes focus on older people’s housing as Corporation announces funding allocations

Older people’s housing and care organisation Housing 21 has been awarded more than £41m from the Housing Corporation in its 2008-2011 National Affordable Housing Programme. The announcement follows the launch of the Government’s new strategy for housing in an ageing society earlier this week.

The allocation represents 33% of the £125m specifically allocated for housing for older people. It will be mostly used for the provision of new housing and care projects in the north and midlands. As well as more than 800 apartments, the extra care schemes will also provide resources to local communities.

Melinda Phillips, Housing 21’s Chief Executive said: "We are delighted with this successful funding bid. This is more than double our allocation of two years ago and is a significant indication of the rising importance of housing and care services for older people."

Housing 21 is a member of the Housing and Older People Development Group and worked closely with Communities and Local Government, the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions in the development of the Government’s strategy for housing in an ageing society.

The new developments will provide a mix of accommodation for rent, shared ownership and outright sale, in line with Housing 21’s vision of a life of choice for older people.