Spending Review 2025: A step forward, but are we ready for an ageing population?

A landmark housing investment: but what about older people?

Eleven months into the new government, the Chancellor has announced a £39bn commitment to social and affordable housing over the next decade — the largest investment in a generation. Alongside £13.2bn for retrofit and £1bn for building safety, this provides a strong foundation for housing growth and renewal.

However, with nearly 13 million people set to be over 65 within a decade, the absence of any reference to older people or later living in the 136-page Spending Review is deeply concerning.

At Abbeyfield Living Society, we believe affordable, accessible housing for older people must be a core part of national housing strategy. We’ll be reviewing the detail and urging government to:

• Allocate at least 10% of Homes England and GLA funding to housing for older people
• Clarify if outdated sheltered housing is eligible for retrofit investment
• Support local authorities and providers in building and modernising age-friendly homes

We stand ready to work with our partners to ensure people can thrive in later life through great homes and inclusive communities.