“Yes, Mr Osborne, we are the builders"
Spencer McCarthy, Chairman, Churchill Living, comments on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement that there will be a £400m fund for 8,000 specialist homes for older people and people with disabilities.
“We’ve been banging the drum for a long time on the importance of housing for those at the top of the ladder, not just those at those at the start. We’re pleased to see Government recognising the real need for specialist homes for older people and supporting this through a £400m fund.
“However, we still need to see much more detail on this, and the type of housing the Chancellor has in mind. With an ageing population, ‘housing for older people’ isn’t a one size fits all, and we need to ensure there are the right options for everyone.
“While any initiatives that help boost the supply of housing are to be supported we’ll be interested to see how Government envisage the 8,000 might be split between housing for older people, and people with disabilities. Relatively this could still mean small numbers, a drop in the ocean when you consider the number of over 85s will double by 2030.
“Mr Osborne is right, we really are the builders, and at Churchill we’re ready to play our role in delivering those homes. Fundamental to this will be planning, so proposals for a more standardised approach to S106 viability assessments, and the new “delivery test” on local authorities to ensure they deliver on the number of homes set out in Local Plans are good, positive steps.
“While the chancellor’s speech was big on reforms, it was small on detail, so we wait to see more information on his plans and what they really mean for boosting housing supply for older people.”
Full spending review and Autumn Statement is here
Churchill Living has specialised in the provision of purpose built apartments designed for older people, since 1998. Our self-contained apartments are located throughout England and are specifically designed to meet the needs of the independent retired.
Churchill Living is an award-winning, privately owned and family run British company, voted Most Outstanding Retirement Housing Operator in the UK for the last six years. We are the fastest growing retirement developer in the market, with retirement developments across the UK. Head Quartered in Ringwood, Hampshire and with regional offices in Exeter, Byfleet, St Albans, Bromsgrove, and Manchester
As a developer of housing for those aged over 60 who build exclusively on Brownfield sites, not only do our developments provide much needed housing for the elderly, they also contribute positively to local economies; providing funding for health and community facilities, and contributing to the local economy.
Churchill Living always seeks to work in partnership with Local Planning Authorities to ensure an appropriate range of housing is offered to older people, in a way that satisfies the policies of local planning policy while also satisfying the government’s wider planning and housing objectives. To assist in the achievement of this, Churchill Living has participated in the production of a good practice guide entitled ‘Planning for Retirement Housing’. Click here to view the guide.