2020 REPORT

Our voices: LGBT+ later life housing
demand in London

OUR FIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PUBLIC BODIES

1. Formally recognise the needs of older LGBT+ people in policy and practice.
2. Co-design a pathway to enable older LGBT+ people to access appropriate services and housing.
3. Commit to developing LGBT+ affirming housing in London.
4. Promote LGBT+ accredited housing and care services.
5. Fund LGBT+ community led services for older people.

1. Recognise the need

Formally recognise the needs of older LGBT+ people in policy and practice.
Recognition of the specific housing, support and care needs and wants of older LGBT+Londoners should be reflected in the policies and practices of the GLA and London Boroughs to create an inclusive London where older LGBT+ people can actively participate in city life. This should include recognition in the Age Friendly Cities initiative.

2. Co-design a pathway

Co-design a pathway to enable older LGBT+ people to access appropriate services and housing. A pathway to enable older LGBT+ people to access housing, care and support services appropriate to their needs should be co-designed, to acknowledge the historic discrimination that many people have faced and their real fear of authority.

3. Commit to developing

Commit to developing LGBT+ affirming housing in London.
LGBT+ affirming housing with care options should be developed in London, to recognise the needs of diverse communities within the older population.

4. Promote

Promote LGBT+ accredited housing and care services.
LGBT+ accreditation of housing and care services should be widely promoted to housing providers, to ensure that all housing options for older LGBT+ people are safe and secure. This should be included in public funding agreements to comply with the Equality Act.

5. Fund LGBT+ community led services

Fund LGBT+ community led services for older people.
Advice services for older LGBT+ people should be supported to be developed by LGBT+ organisations and funded appropriately by public bodies.