A group of industry leaders, trade bodies and cross-party MPs have written an open letter to prime minister Boris Johnson, calling on him to support retirement living.
The letter, signed by Legal & General’s Nigel Wilson, UK head at AXA IM Justin Travlos and British Property Federation chief executive Melanie Leech, demands commitment from the government.
It says: “Older people in the UK are living longer – but not healthier for longer. That is why we need to find a modern solution to the modern phenomenon of longevity.
“We are calling on you to expand the supply of housing and care options in the UK.”
Some 41 signatories backed calls for a “world-class system of housing with care” alongside current care home provision, providing greater choice for the elderly.
They propose a task force of ministerial departments working together to improve the sector via planning policy, funding and a regulatory framework.
The letter adds: “Announcing this commitment and setting up the mechanisms for growth would be a profoundly positive statement of the government’s intent to improve choices for our ageing population.”
Phil Bayliss, chief executive of Later Living at Legal & General, said: “The UK has millions of people who are suffering severe loneliness, many of whom have immediate care needs and are suffering health issues because of where they live.
“L&G has the capital and the will to foster a thriving housing-with-care sector to improve the way we age as a society. It is time for the government to dedicate real resource and focus to tackling the barriers holding back growth and enable investors to play their full part in driving lasting change.”
The demands follows ongoing calls for reform with greater government support and commitment. Former housing minister Mark Prisk said the UK has “failed” the elderly and McCarthy Stone chief executive John Tonkiss has called for targets, policy and Homes England action to deliver retirement housing.
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