Older persons housing strategy

Meeting the borough's housing need is a corporate priority.

This strategy identifies the key issues and challenges surrounding the delivery of housing for older people and sets out the council's priorities for addressing them.

The strategy was developed in consultation with partners, stakeholders and local residents.

Its aims and objectives inter-link with other local plans and strategies and are designed to support the overarching objectives of two of the council's key plans for housing delivery:

1. The Housing and Homelessness Strategy, particularly 'housing for vulnerable groups', which sets out to address some of the key issues identified for housing and older people

• High levels of fuel poverty amongst the over 65s
• Despite council-owned homes being in high demand, some council-owned homes for older people (sheltered homes) are hard to let
• A considerable proportion of older tenants in general needs council-owned homes are living in homes which are larger than they need.
• Older people living in homes which are too big for them is also an issue in the private rented sector and so this needs to be addressed
• An improved range of housing options, support and advice services are needed for older people in the borough

2. The Draft Local Plan, which will shape future development and growth of the borough's towns and villages and it also identifies the future demand for specialised housing, supported housing and care places for our older people over the next 20 years.

Our vision

For older people in Welwyn Hatfield to have a range of affordable, good quality housing options, advice and support services to choose from, that will promote independence, health and well-being and contributes to improving the overall quality of life.