Future Housing Concepts

This concept comprises several core features which have been determined due to some surveys conducted in order to construct a housing place where everybody would feel happy and secure. One of the biggest obstacles to the provision of affordable housing in the locality is the high cost of land for building, therefore new homes would still be out of reach of the significant population with low incomes and those who have reached the retirement age or the aged.

Having grown up in a consumer society, people will want the best they can afford that is more space, en--suite bathrooms and additional bedrooms for family to stay in or a live in carer. Many will be influenced by the size of the accommodation. Those buying their homes are increasing as the proportion of owner--occupier increases in the population. There will also be older people unable to exercise similar choices. The trends indicate that the traditional clients of social rented sheltered housing falling in relation to an increase in owner--occupiers and so providers of rented sheltered housing will need to be aware of changing expectations.

The next feature is security and safety. Those who are socially isolated or vulnerable or in poor health will appreciate the sense of support from being part of a like minded community, with on-site staff geared to their specific needs and accessible faculties. One of the main reasons people give for moving into schemes is security. Although the fear of crime if greater than the actual risk, security is paramount but should be discreet. The last thing people like is the feeling that they are living in a prison.

Future housing inhabitants have also claimed about support needs. The kind of support they need ranged from help claiming welfare benefits, managing finance, supervising health and wellbeing. Those who currently receive care and support services indicated that their support was provided by Social Services or Voluntary bodies but the majority was supported by family, friends or neighbours. Only a tiny minority received support from both services.