Rural housing need to meet North West’s growing aging population

Jan 6 2011 Chester Chronicle

NORTH West rural communities will struggle to support the ageing population boom unless more affordable homes are built, a campaign group has warned.

The total number of over 65s living in rural England will hit 2.92m by 2020, according to National Housing Federation research based on government projections.

This is a rise of 672,400 (30%) from 2010. Rural parts of the North West will be home to an additional 46,300 older people in 10 years time – an increase of 27% over current numbers.

Sallie Bridgen, The Federation’s North West regional manager, said: “Older people are an integral part of North West rural communities but it is vital their housing and support needs are met in order to maintain their independence and dignity.

“It is vital we make sure older generations have access to affordable, good quality housing, built to suit their current and future needs.

“We also need to make sure younger people are not priced out of the countryside, otherwise older people will find themselves increasingly isolated from their families and support networks.”