Updated: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:19:18 GMT | By pa.press.net

Homes scheme helps OAPs to downsize

Elderly homeowners are to be encouraged to move into smaller properties under Government-backed plans, enabling councils to rent out their homes to families.


Housing Minister Grant Shapps said the scheme could make a 'life-changing difference' for some older people

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said the scheme could make a 'life-changing difference' for some older people

Elderly homeowners are to be encouraged to move into smaller properties under Government-backed plans, enabling councils to rent out their homes to families.

The scheme - announced by Housing Minister Grant Shapps - is intended to ease pressure on young families at a time when many are struggling to find affordable accommodation.

Under the plans, local authorities would offer to help pensioners living in family homes to find more suitable places to live.

The councils would then take over responsibility for maintaining the property and renting it out at affordable rates, returning any profit to the elderly person or their estate.

Officials stressed the scheme was purely voluntary and no one would be forced to move.

Mr Shapps said that he wanted councils to follow the example of a Government-backed pilot project run by Redbridge Council in east London.

"For too long the housing needs of the elderly have been neglected," he said.

"Older people who should be enjoying their homes have watched helplessly as their properties have become prisons, and many have been forced to sell their homes and move into residential care.

"With nearly a fifth of our population expected to be over 65 by 2020, radical and urgent change is needed to ensure the nation's housing needs are met."

Mr Shapps said for some older people, the move to more suitable accommodation could make a "life-changing difference. They can live independently for longer and enjoy more disposable income without selling their home, and other families can benefit from living in an affordable home".

1Comment
19/01/2012 17:34
avatar
Rubbish and I am 87 years old and live in a 4 bedroom house. I give it 4 weeks before the house would be in a bad state.
Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

latest money videos

10 reasons to make MSN UK your homepage (© Microsoft)

more on msn money

msn money poll

Would you like to receive offers from retailers – such as discount vouchers or sale previews - from your current account provider?

Thanks for being one of the first people to vote. Results will be available soon. Check for results

  1.  
    18 %
    Yes - I'd like to receive any offers that could save me money
    10 votes
  2.  
    7 %
    Yes - but only if they were tailored specifically to my spending habits
    4 votes
  3.  
    7 %
    No - I already know where to look for vouchers and discounts
    4 votes
  4. 68 %
    No - I don't want to be contacted by my bank about anything other than my account
    37 votes

Total Responses: 55
Not scientifically valid. Results are updated every minute.