Housing Minister Grant Shapps today announced Government support to local Councils to enable them to help older tenants move to more suitable homes. He envisages that the package, worth £13m, will enable 50 of the largest Councils to develop services to help older people find a suitable new home and provide practical help with moving. The Minister emphasised that his intention was not to force people to move, but to provide a helping hand to those who wanted to do so.
Read the full text of the announcement
John Galvin, Chief Executive of EAC, welcomed the news: “We know from the thousands of older people and family members who call our FirstStop Advice Service that many would like to be settled in a smaller, better located or more convenient home – perhaps also closer to family and friends. But the prospect of the move itself can be extremely daunting – both physically and emotionally. The offer of practical help to make the leap is very welcome.”
Daniel Pearson, EAC’s FirstStop Director, Public Sector, is equally enthusiastic: “I welcome this initiative by Government, which will support the work we do in providing independent information, advice and support to older people who are thinking about a move, but not yet sure, or who are not aware of all the options open to them. FirstStop Advice has a particular specialism in retirement, sheltered and extra care housing, options which can provide companionship and support alongside good quality accommodation suitable for older age. “
FirstStop’s network of local partner organisations are well placed to work with local authorities in delivering the new offer to tenants, and by the time the new funding comes on stream in April, its comprehensive moving home service FirstStop Moves will also be fully operational.
Older people, their family members or carers are welcome to contact FirstStop Advice for a full and independent discussion of their housing options, plus a comprehensive, personal housing options report.
FirstStop Advice Line 0800 377 7070
This website carries details of 26,000 sheltered, retirement, extra care and assisted living developments specially designed for later life.
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Local Authority officers who wish to know more about how FirstStop could help deliver a comprehensive local ‘housing options’ service to their older residents are invited to contact: