Ministers issue official response to Older People’s Housing Taskforce report two years after recommendations first published
The government has pledged to publish a roadmap setting out its plan to increase the amount of age-friendly housing “in the next year” but has ruled out setting up a cross-departmental unit or body to look at the issue.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have jointly published their long-awaited response to the Older People’s Housing Taskforce (OPHT) report.
The taskforce, set up by the previous Conservative government to look at barriers to later living housing delivery, published several recommendations in November 2024, including a call for a cross-departmental unit.
In their response today, MHCLG and DHSC said the UK needs a “clear plan” that “supports the growth of the number of good-quality, age-friendly homes, equips local areas to plan for their ageing populations and improves public understanding.”
They added: “Building on the work of the taskforce and the steps we have already taken, we intend to publish a roadmap in the next year.
“This will set out the actions we will take across government to achieve our vision, working with the sector to drive the change we want to see.”
The taskforce had called for a jointly sponsored government unit which could take the form of an arm’s length ‘Office for an Ageing Population’ that would “galvanise transformational leadership” at national and local levels.
However the MHCLG and DHSC in their response yesterday said: “Officials from both departments are already working closely together on this agenda, and so we do not feel this needs to be formalised through the creation of a joint unit.” They added however that they agree with the value of setting out a clear plan that is taken forward jointly across government and the sector.
The government set out its response to several taskforce recommendations grouped into 10 areas.
It said ministers will consider what additional clarity it can provide to local authorities on planning for specialist older persons’ housing need, including the definitions used. It said it has committed to publishing updated guidance to assist local authorities in assessing the housing needs of different groups, including older people.
The departments also said they are “exploring whether underused models, including community-led housing and co-housing, could help meet older people’s needs.” They said its new approach to allocating Disabled Facilities Grant funding to local authorities in England from 2026-27 will ensure the grant is better aligned with local needs.
The response points to changes to the National Planning Policy Framework including new requirements for local plans to set out proportion of new homes that should be delivered to accessibility standards. It said the government will publish its response to a consultation on design and placemaking planning guidance, which it said “embeds inclusive design and the needs of the ageing population in housebuilding and placemaking” later this year.
It also said government is considering how it “may further support the sector to grow and increase supply as part of our housing for an ageing population roadmap”.
The government said it is exploring how government can best support the provision of advice to older people on housing options in their areas as part of the roadmap.
It said: “This includes considering the role that neighbourhood health could play in bringing together health and care services with wider public services – such as housing support – for individuals, families and communities”.
Ministers also pledge to provide a consistent baseline of consumer protection across the for-sale market and said it has tightened expectations on social landlords delivering shared ownership homes, including those for older people.
Sector reaction
Later living housing sector leaders have warmly welcomed the commitment to a roadmap next year.
Matthew Pratt, chief executive of McCarthy Stone, said: “The recommendations of the OPHT report remain as urgent and vital today as they were when it was published in 2024, and we are pleased that the government are looking at how the planning system can be reformed further to support increased delivery of more housing for older people.
Rachael Shimmin, chief executive of Anchor, said: “We welcome the government’s response to the Older People’s Housing Task Force and the clear recognition that meeting the needs of an ageing population requires action across housing, health and care. No single organisation can deliver the change needed alone. Meaningful progress will depend on government, housing providers, health and care partners, and older people themselves all working together.”
Paul Teverson, director of membership body Retirement Housing Group, said: “The government’s response is a significant milestone and a welcome indication that ministers recognise the scale of the opportunity and the need to act quickly given our aging population. For too long, the UK has failed to deliver enough specialist housing for older people. The taskforce’s report provides a clear blueprint for change, setting out practical measures to boost supply, support consumer confidence and unlock benefits to social care.
“We look forward to seeing these recommendations translated swiftly into meaningful outcomes with a detailed implementation plan across housing, planning, health and social care to deliver significantly more homes and greater choice for older people.”
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