Dr Rachael Docking, Senior Evidence Manager, said: “As the number of people over the age of 65 increases, homes that meet their needs will be in much greater demand. By 2025, there are projected to be 8.2 million households headed by someone aged 65 years or over – an increase of 23% from 2015. The proportion of households where the oldest person is 85 or over will grow faster than any other age group over the next 25 years.
“Housing can be easily and relatively cheaply adapted to make it fit for purpose. Regulations and local enforcement powers need to be applied more vigorously to tackle landlords who are not maintaining their properties or helping to meet tenants’ health needs through adaptations.
“It is essential that as our society ages more is done, particularly by private landlords, to make housing stock safe and accessible for a growing older renter base.
“While the Government announcement confirming an additional £42 million for the Disabled Facilities Grant is very welcome, local government and services responsible for assessing, funding and installing home adaptations must ensure they are provided quickly and tailored to what older people want and need.”