• CAMDEN, like all councils in the country, faces massive challenges in providing care for an increasingly older population.

This is made even more difficult due to the government cuts of more than 50 per cent to our budget. This national problem was highlighted by the Red Cross declaring the NHS and social care system a “humanitarian crisis”.

While solving these system-wide issues will require bold national action and funding, locally we can still make a difference.

The council’s housing committee has established a new panel to lead an investigation into the housing needs of older people.

Over the next three months we will consider questions such as, how can we make sure the new homes being built by Camden are fit for the future and for residents to grow old in?

How can we help people stay well and independent for longer?

Do we have enough sheltered and specialist housing for older people? Can more be done to tackle loneliness and support people to remain independent?

As well as hearing from other areas, housing providers and health professionals, we want to hear from local residents and groups about their ideas and experiences.

Your views will help shape our report and recommendations to the council. Please email your comments to danny.beales@camden.gov.uk or send them by post to the Camden Town Hall, Judd Street.

CLLR DANNY BEALES
Chair of the Housing Scrutiny Committee