Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 10, 2026

Purpose:

Content: DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO THIS ITEM:   None   RESOLVED:   That Cabinet:   1.    Approved the Draft Older People’s Housing Strategy attached at Appendix?1 as the basis for consultation. 2.    Approved the consultation arrangements set out in paragraphs?6.11–6.13 of the report. 3.    Noted that, following consultation, officers would bring back to Cabinet a revised draft of the Older People’s Housing Strategy for adoption.   Reasons for decision   Although it was not a statutory requirement for local authorities to have an Older People’s Housing Strategy, it was considered good practice. On that basis, the council had committed to developing a new Older People’s Housing Strategy in both the 2024–29 Housing Strategy and the 2024–26 Corporate Delivery Plan. Adopting an Older People’s Housing Strategy would assist the council in delivering best value and driving improvements in outcomes for older people across the borough. It was expected to achieve this by allowing the council to set a coordinated approach to all aspects of housing for older people over the next fifteen?years. It provided clear and coherent direction across the council’s roles as a landlord, housing developer, planning authority, and provider and commissioner of housing?related social care, advice, and support services. It helped the council to align its positions on housing and planning with priorities around social care, the NHS, and public health, and to support positions set out in the draft Local Plan. As such, it could be expected to support more effective and efficient services.   Alternative options considered   The council could have decided not to adopt an Older People’s Housing Strategy. This was not recommended—not only because the council had made a considered commitment to doing so in its current Housing Strategy and Corporate Delivery Plan, but also because failing to take a strategic approach in this area would have undermined the council’s ability to provide best value through coordinated, transparent, effective, and efficient decision?making and services. Ultimately, failing to articulate a strategic approach would likely have undermined outcomes for older people in the borough.   The council could have decided that the draft strategy at Appendix?1 was not an adequate basis for consultation toward adopting an Older People’s Housing Strategy. This was not recommended because the proposals were based on evidence, a review of best practice, and substantial engagement with a broad range of older people in Haringey.