BMA Praises Government's 'Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods' Plans

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) is very encouraged by the government's steps to provide a better country for old age, as announced in its 'Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods - A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society' document.

Speaking about the government's plans, BMA Chief Executive Yvonne Orgill says: ‘I'm delighted to see that the government is taking the needs of our ageing society so seriously.

‘For a number of years now the BMA has encouraged its members to innovate for the 50s+ market place pre-empting a boom in this market sector.

‘We've also developed a fact sheet questionnaire called Rate Your Bathroom to help both consumers and trade understand the changing needs of the ageing and less able and we have an entire section of our main website dedicated to designing for life. In fact, we're so passionate about the subject that the 2007 Bathroom Conference highlighted the potential of the 50s+ market place.

‘What the government's document highlights is the need for larger bathrooms. This is another welcome move. Adaptations are possible for smaller bathrooms, by converting them into wet rooms for example, but having a larger bathroom will be a great help.’

As part of the plan, the government intends to increase grant aid, establish consumer advice centres and handypersons schemes, which are all welcomed by the BMA.

Orgill continues: ‘The government's plan is timely indeed. BMA members have products that will suit this purpose perfectly. It all makes complete sense. The Bathroom Industry is on board, consumers are certainly on board and now so is the government too.’

The ageing society poses one of our greatest housing challenges. By 2026 older people will account for almost half (48 per cent) of the increase in the total number of households, resulting in 2.4 million more 'older households' than there are today.

By 2041, the composition of the older age group will have changed dramatically. There will be a higher proportion of the older age groups, including the over 85s, a greater number of older people from black and minority ethnic groups, and double the number of older disabled people. One in five children born today can expect to live to 100 years old.

For further information about the BMA's Designing for Life campaigns visit http://www.bathroom-association.org