Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential merits of introducing a bespoke tenure model for Integrated Retirement Communities, including ARCO's proposals for a New Zealand-style Retirement Occupancy Lease.

We recognise the important role integrated retirement communities play in providing high quality, safe, and suitable homes. This provision can help people stay independent and healthy for longer and can reduce the need to draw on health and social care provision.

The Government is committed to enhancing the provision and choice for older people in the housing market. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is currently considering the responses to its recent consultation on the Government’s proposed reforms to the commonhold tenure model. This includes consideration of relevant international evidence. The Department of Health and Social Care will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as it considers its response.