AgeUK has released a new report warning that retirement housing must undergo wide-ranging improvements if older people are to see it as a practical and attractive option for later life.
The ‘Making it Work for Us’ report is based on the experiences of older people currently living in social and private retirement housing.
The report argues there is a need for more regulation within the private retirement sector and more rights and support for residents to take over the management of their properties.
The report identifies particular problems associated with the leasehold structure and management of private retirement homes, such as overcharging, exit fees and unclear contracts.
It comes days after MPs and worried residents held a meeting at the House of Commons regarding concerns over private retirement homes.
In a series of recommendations, the report calls on the Government to provide incentives for new retirement developments to be based on a ‘commonhold’ model which offers shared freehold ownership and makes it easier for residents to appoint their own management company.
In addition it calls for specialist training for advice workers, solicitors and managing agents dealing with retirement housing.
The report also highlights concerns over the poor design of retirement housing, such as lack of wheelchair accessibility and car parking provision. It calls for all retirement homes to comply with the Lifetime Homes Standard and also allow for two bedrooms to provide space for carers and family members.
The affordability of sheltered and retirement housing is another key concern, with residents reporting dramatic increases in rents, service charges and management fees, alongside state funding cuts. The report argues for greater investment in good quality sheltered housing and more transparency around management charges in private housing to ensure people know what they are paying for.
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