Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent targets his Department has set for the number of new homes designed specifically for older people.

The Government is investing over £12 billion in affordable housing over 5 years, the largest investment in affordable housing in a decade. This includes the new £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme, under which 10 per cent of delivery over the course of the programme will be used to increase the supply of much needed specialist or supported housing, including for older and disabled people. As set out in our National Planning Policy Framework, local authorities should already assess the types of specialist housing needed for older and disabled people in their areas, and that this should be reflected in their planning policies. 

We have also given councils guidance on options they should consider, such as housing with improved accessibility, so the most vulnerable get the support they need. The Government also recently consulted on options to raise the accessibility of new homes, recognising the importance of suitable homes for older and disabled people.