New housing strategy launched

Posted: 28 Feb 2008 11:06:48 GMT

The government has launched a new housing strategy which could change the face of UK new builds.

The government has launched a new housing strategy which could change the face of UK new builds.

The idea of the strategy is to make new homes more age friendly, ensuring that they cater for the elderly as well as younger people.

A total of 16 key design features have been included in the strategy, with all new homes required to have wider doors and staircases by 2013.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published the strategy and Hazel Blears, secretary of state for communities and local government, has supported the document.

"Demand for housing is high - being driven to a large extent by older people. Not only do we need to build more homes, but the right kind of homes too. That means 'lifetime homes' suited to families with pushchairs right through to older people in wheelchairs," she commented.

"By making age friendly changes both inside and outside of homes we can help to break the link between old age and dependency," continued Ms Blears.

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