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<p> </p><p>The Government is committed to increasing the supply of suitable housing
for older people and also to helping people to live independently at home for longer.</p><p>The
Government is improving choice for those who wish to move by providing £315 million
between 2013-14 – 2017-18 through the Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund. Phase
I of the fund was announced last year and will deliver more than 3,500 affordable
homes for older people and adults with disabilities or mental health needs. The successful
bids for Phase II of the programme, which aims to stimulate development in the wider
private market, will be announced later this year.</p><p>The National Planning Policy
Framework asks local planning authorities to assess the full housing requirements
in their area and plan for a mix of housing based on demographic trends and the needs
of different groups in the area, including older people. The planning guidance advisesthat
local planning authorities should count housing provided for older people, including
residential institutions in Use Class C2, against their housing requirement. The approach
taken, which may include site allocations, should be clearly set out in the Local
Plan. Copies of the Framework and the guidance have been placed in the Library of
the House.</p><p>To help extended families, the Government introduced in April a 50
per cent council tax discount on family annexes. We have also made amendments to the
Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations, exempting from the levy those wanting to
extend their own homes, or install residential annexes within their own property boundary.</p><p>The
Department for Communities and Local Government is providing funding of £785 million
between 2011-12 – 2014-15 for the Disabled Facilities Grant which is administered
by local authorities in England and provides adaptations to the homes of disabled
people to help them to live as independently as possible in their own home. A further
£220 million will be made available in 2015-16.</p><p>Since 2011-12, the Government
has funded FirstStop with over £2 million to provide a national information and advice
service to older people, their families and carers on housing, care and finance.</p><p>
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