Retirement housing makes an enormous difference to the lives of older people across the country. It helps residents stay happier and healthier for longer, enabling them to maintain their independence, find a community and make new friendships.

It also unlocks the housing market by releasing larger homes at the top of the ladder, and keeps residents away from public health and care services. On top of that, it can deliver economic investment and growth, particularly in our ailing town centres.

Yet millions of older people are currently unable to move from their existing homes into something better suited to their evolving needs. At present, c.7,000 new retirement housing units are delivered annually, compared with demand for 30,000. We need greater policy support to help address years of undersupply in the retirement community sector.