Margot James raises local housing problem at Prime Minister’s Questions
21st July 2010
Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, used her question to the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, on Wednesday to raise awareness of difficulties with sheltered housing in Stourbridge.
Many older people in the UK live in sheltered accommodation, comprising about half a million households. However two elderly ladies in Stourbridge purchased their leases on the promise of a live in warden being available at no additional charge. In this case the vital service has been whittled down to an off-site, chargeable and appointment only system.
However, it is possible for legal action to be taken to redress these issues. Too many people in this situation do not realise that they can take legal action. Making more people aware of this could dramatically raise the quality of life for many older people.
Margot used Prime Minister’s Questions to place this issue high on the agenda. She asked Mr Clegg whether he would support her campaign to raise awareness of the legal rights that are available to leaseholders.
Mr Clegg answered by pledging his support for Margot’s campaign and announced the creation of a new commission to investigate this problem. Given Margot’s long-standing interest and expertise in this matter, Mr Clegg asked Margot to support the work of the commission.
The Deputy Prime Minister was standing in for David Cameron, who is currently visiting the United States.
FULL TEXT
Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): More than 250,000 older people live in sheltered retirement accommodation. Like many, two constituents of mine purchased their leases on the promise of full-time, in-house warden support at no charge. In the case of my constituents, that service has been whittled down to an off-site, visiting-by-appointment, chargeable service. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is a shameful way to treat older people, and will he support my campaign to raise awareness of the legal redress that older people can have to secure their rights?
The Deputy Prime Minister: I am grateful for that question from my hon. Friend. She is well known for having had an outstanding record as a champion for older people prior to coming to the House, and I am sure all Members on both sides of the House share her concern that all older people, regardless of whether they live in their own homes, sheltered accommodation or residential care homes, can live in those settings with real dignity. That is one reason why we have just announced that there will be an independent commission to consider how we can ensure affordable and sustainable funding for care and support for all adults in England, and I hope my hon. Friend will be able to make her views and expertise available to that commission.
