Government response welcomed

Three housing provider chief executives have welcomed the Government’s announcement to scrap plans to cap service charges in retirement housing properties.

Jane Ashcroft CBE, from Anchor, Dame Clare Tickell, from Hanover, and Bruce Moore, from Housing & Care 21, had lobbied the Government over proposed changes to social housing funding.

As part of the Government’s consultation, the three organisations, along with others in the housing sector, had lobbied for ministers to reject these plans which they said would have acted as a disincentive for developers to build more sheltered and extra care housing.

The government also announced that housing costs would continue to be paid through housing benefit rather than being replaced by proposed ring-fenced grants administered by local authorities.

In a joint statement, Jane Ashcroft CBE, Dame Clare Tickell and Bruce Moore said:

‘We welcome today's response from the Government on how it wants to ensure the funding for supported housing best meets the needs of those most vulnerable in society, including older people. It is clear that the Government has listened to the concerns of the sector and that they have taken on board suggestions that will help alleviate the fear that many providers and tenants felt if the proposed changes to funding had been implemented.

‘We are particularly keen to continue working with the Government to make sure the appropriate level of funding provision is in place for tenants. This includes having a framework which ensures access to key services, helps provide suitable housing across the country and which provides value for money. This will be essential if we are to help older people to live independently for longer.’