A FEW months ago, the Government announced funding for new homes under an “affordable rents” scheme.

Similarly, an extra £400m of funds was recently announced to build new homes, help first time buyers, and make social housing fairer.

When this filters through to Brighton and Hove, let’s hope the homes created reflect the needs of its future population.

UK figures show that 85+ is the fastest growing age group, that the proportion of 60+ will increase a great deal over the next 20 years, and that the elderly want to live independent, active lives.

So, planners, will we see a fair distribution of social housing when future plans are drawn up? With enough dedicated-to-elderly single blocks, sheltered schemes and residential homes where we feel safe?

These will add to the 23 good schemes we already have.

We do need more homes for families and young couples, but let’s not forget the growing proportion of elderlies of the future – they need appropriate housing too.

Mike Bojczuk, Older People’s Council