In April 2024, SCIE published a toolkit that supports local areas to develop their place-based plans for older people’s housing. Funded by DHSC, the toolkit was co-developed with experts and it also aligns with one of the key recommendations from the Commission on the Role of Housing in the Future of Care and Support (2021), and the report from the Older People’s Housing taskforce (2024). Both emphasise the importance of detailed local strategies that are evidence-based and developed and delivered by housing, health and social care, as well as by local communities and older people themselves.
Between August 2024 and March 2025, SCIE worked with two local authorities, Bromley and Southend-on-Sea, drawing on the toolkit, to further their place-based plans for older people’s housing.
This report briefly summarises key activities undertaken with each local area, describes progress as well as some of the challenges, summarises people’s reflections on the toolkit, as well as how local authorities could be supported to develop and deliver housing plans for older adults.
Selected feedback and reflections on the toolkit
Below is a selection of feedback from stakeholders who have used the toolkit to further their place-based plans for older people’s housing. If you have used the toolkit and would like to share your feedback please email info@scie.org.uk.
Without SCIE we would not have begun to lay the groundwork for moving forwards. We are in a better position than we were in the summer and have learned a lot.”
“The reception following the first meeting was very positive and we thought ‘OK we can do this’ and we looked at each section and what needs doing.