Four Shires Magazine

Cherwell District Council has rapidly increasing numbers of older people living in the district. Now the council is taking a lead on housing services for older people with a new housing strategy that sets out how it’s going to improve housing and related services for them.
The new strategy follows extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders. Cherwell's portfolio holder for planning and housing, Cllr Michael Gibbard, explained: "We've been working on this since 2008 and now it will be adopted by the council - that's good news for the district's older people.
"An ageing population means increased demand for housing services, so we've set out a strategy that will focus on five key objectives.
"Firstly we'll improve housing services to help older people live independently in their homes. Secondly we'll provide ensure good quality supported housing for older people. Thirdly we'll improve the housing information and advice that's available. Next we'll encourage involvement for older people in designing and implementing those services. And lastly we'll be making sure new housing meets the needs of older people."

Other key areas of the strategy will see:

* a wider range of services implemented for older owner occupiers and people living in the private rented sector to help them maintain their home and keep it warm

* improved practical and financial help for older people, living in housing association homes, who want to move to a smaller or more manageable property

* the development of extra-care housing in the district. This is independent, fully self contained housing, with access to on-site care and facilities like dining rooms, hairdressers and social activity rooms

* steps to increase housing for older people in rural areas.

Cllr Gibbard added: "Cherwell is gearing up to make sure that our housing services continue to play a key role in the lives of our growing number of older residents and that we continue to provide the services they will need."