Session Four: APPG on Housing and Care for Older People
Abbeyfield Chief Executive Paul Tennant, Head of Development & Relationships Abdul A. Ravat, Abbeyfield South Downs CEO Nolan Taylor and Abbeyfield The Dales CEO Philip Birkinshaw were delighted to attend the fourth session of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People Inquiry yesterday at the House of Lords.
The Inquiry, sponsored by Abbeyfield with secretariat provided by Housing LIN, aims to explore the best ways to regenerate our existing stock of outdated sheltered housing to meet the expectations of the 21st century.
Chaired by Lord Best, yesterday’s session brought together a diverse group of sector leaders to delve into the topics of upgrading, modernising and extending outdated sheltered housing.
The session welcomed representatives from Wrexham County Borough Council, Leeds City Council and Greenhill Housing Association who shared their approaches to remodelling, refurbishment and extension of sheltered housing.
Abdul said "It was great to have been joined by colleagues from Abbeyfield South Downs and Abbeyfield The Dales who, alongside Abbeyfield Wessex Society, are working with us on this APPG inquiry.
“The session addressed the issues and challenges faced by local authorities who still have significant older person’s stock and how they were managing, remodelling and refurbishing their sheltered housing stock to make it fit for the future.
“We heard first hand about the great work being delivered by Wrexham County Borough Council and Leeds City Council and the impressive outcomes achieved, funded primarily from their stretched Housing Revenue Accounts.
“We also learned of the challenges faced by smaller providers such as Greenhill Housing Association, based in London, and the innovative approach they had to take to retain and repurpose their housing provision to ensure it meets today’s environmental standards and customer expectations.
“The panel is now turning its attention to solutions, as the inquiry looks to present recommendations that balance costs versus long-term value and broader considerations of additionality in retaining such assets.
“Abbeyfield is delighted to be helping to enable this important work”.
This session marks the fourth of five before the call for evidence concludes on Friday 9th February 2024.
The Inquiry is actively seeking evidence related to sheltered/retirement housing in both the social and private sectors, encompassing various tenures such as social rent, affordable rent, leasehold, sale and shared ownership.
You can find out more about the specifics of the evidence sought by the inquiry and submit your contributions by emailing this document to the Inquiry Secretariat at research@housinglin.org.uk
The Abbeyfield Society is proud to act as sponsor for the APPG on Housing and Care for Older People Inquiry on the Regeneration of Outdated Sheltered Housing