Plans to develop new homes in the city that meet the housing needs and aspirations of older people will be discussed by Cabinet this week.

The Cardiff Older Persons Housing Strategy 2019-2023 has been developed to deliver the best housing outcomes for all older people in the city to help them stay independent for longer as well as reducing pressure on health and social care budgets.

Recent research has identified the future housing and associated care requirements of older people across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan as well as the future housing plans of older people in the city. The strategy responds to this research and outlines a number of key commitments to ensure provision meets the needs of the increasing ageing population.

These commitments include delivering new homes for older people - a minimum of 729 by 2030 of which 434 will be council homes; and increasing the supply of ‘care ready' housing for older people that is suitable for ageing in place and allows domiciliary care to be provided as required.

The Council also intends to improve existing homes to ensure they are fit for purpose and support independent living, and will continue with its refurbishment programme of sheltered stock on a scheme by scheme basis.

A new Older Persons and Accessible Housing Unit will provide specialist housing advice for older people to help them better understand their housing options and provide support to help them downsize or move to more accessible accommodation.

The council's Independent Living Service will continue to provide support for people to remain independent at home for longer. Hubs throughout the city will also have a key role to play in building stronger more inclusive communities to help tackle social isolation amongst the older people by developing events, activities and a range of advice to meet their wellbeing needs.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: "With the number of people in the city aged 65 to 84 projected to rise by 42% by 2037 and those over 85 set to almost double, it's essential that we recognise the housing-related challenges an increasing ageing population brings and plan ahead to ensure we can meet their needs.

"There is a strong focus in the draft strategy on providing accommodation that supports independence, ensuring people are connected to their community to help prevent social isolation, and reducing the need for residential care."