Older people 'may prefer flats to rent in London'
Older people could opt for renting flats in the London borough of Wandsworth as the government proposes to encourage them to move out of larger homes they can no longer afford to run.
In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Iain Duncan Smith announced plans to encourage older members of the public to leave large council houses in favour of renting smaller flats.
This move would open up a number of council houses suitable for working families otherwise squashed into inadequate homes.
The coalition's plans hope to make it more attractive for older people to downsize their homes while still guaranteeing security of tenure.
Improving the availability of smaller homes and flats could in turn see an increase in the number of older people moving into smaller rented property.
Prior to Mr Duncan Smith's announcement, the National Housing Federation (NHF) called for radical changes to the planning system to allow for more social housing to be built. The NHF wrote to housing secretary Grant Shapps and highlighted the need for the coalition to honour its planned spending on social housing in a bid to combat overcrowding in many council houses.
By Ben Carter
Published 29th June, 2010
© 2010 Estates IT Limited
London Rental Property News By London Borough / Category
Latest London Property News Headlines
Barking Splash Park opens this weekend
Barking Splash Park will be free to use this weekend (May 25th-27th) to mark its opening.
Read Article ... Published on 24th May, 2012
Southwark estates to get cheaper energy bills
Residents in Southwark can look forward to cheaper energy bills thanks to the creation of a new underground green network.
Read Article ... Published on 23rd May, 2012
Enfield £1.3bn masterplan unveiled
A masterplan has been unveiled that will see a 200-acre site in Enfield regenerated as part of a £1.3 billion plan.
Read Article ... Published on 23rd May, 2012
Londoners encouraged to grow their own fruit and veg
People in London are being encouraged to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
Read Article ... Published on 22nd May, 2012
Merton 'embraces green improvements'
Merton is now a cleaner, greener location to live in thanks to the implementation of the Wandle Valley Low Carbon Zone (LCZ).
Read Article ... Published on 22nd May, 2012
London house prices rise by 1,782% in past 35 years
London house prices have increased by 1,782 per cent in the last 35 years.
Read Article ... Published on 21st May, 2012
Poplar's Chrisp Street to get £100m regeneration
Some £100 million is to be spent regenerating the Chrisp Street area of Poplar in Tower Hamlets.
Read Article ... Published on 21st May, 2012
Putney community hall gets £150k refurb
Newlands Hall in Putney Vale, Wandsworth, has reopened after undergoing significant refurbishments.
Read Article ... Published on 18th May, 2012
Harrow cycling and walking routes improved
Extensive improvements have been be made to the cycling and walking routes in Harrow.
Read Article ... Published on 17th May, 2012
Norwood Park gets outdoors gym installed
An outdoor gym has been installed in Norwood Park in an effort to encourage more people to take up exercise.
Read Article ... Published on 16th May, 2012
Offering older people flats to rent in London could open up more council houses for working families.