On 17th January, Housing Minister Grant Shapps annouced in The Telegraph announced plans to encourage elderly homeowners to downsize to smaller properties and allow councils to rent their homes to local families.
Local authorities would take over responsibility for maintaining and renting the properties at affordable rates, transferring any to the elderly person or their estate.
The Telegraph says this mirrors a government-backed pilot scheme run by Redbridge Council in east London. Under the scheme, the Council helps elderly people move into a new property, such as sheltered accommodation. In return, the Council rents the house to families in need and manages the tenancy.