Thinking
Ahead Your Housing Options in the
Future A Survey for people aged 18-59
Survey Findings
Report Date: July 2010
Will Ridley-Ellis
Housing Research & Policy Support Officer Strategic Information & Support Unit
(Housing) City of Bradford Metropolitan District
Council 1st Floor, North Wing
Jacobs Well Bradford
BD1 5RW
email [email protected]
telephone 01274 434454
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
2
“It’s now made me think about it”
“This survey has made me face up to an uncomfortable issue…”
“It will make me think about what I want for the future”
“Thank you for asking”
Acknowledgements
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone that took the time to contribute to the survey, and
especially to the 600 individuals who took the extra time to write comments in the open ended
question; it is clear that many of these comments were particularly well thought through and
will be invaluable evidence when we formulate a new strategy for older people’s housing in our
district. The evidence you provided will ensure our strategy truly reflects the needs and
aspirations of our community and will be used directly to influence the decision making process
and encourage investment in our district.
Additionally I would like to say particular thanks to Richard Smith who assisted in the
development of the survey, the commissioning of the telephone interviews, and who made it
possible to put the survey available online. Finally, thank you to everyone else who had an
input into the design, distribution and promotion of the survey.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
3
Contents
1 Key Points ...............................................................................................................3 2 Introduction.............................................................................................................5 3 Methodology ............................................................................................................5 4 Making plans for retirement .......................................................................................6 5 Thinking about where you would like to live .................................................................8 6 Thinking about what kind of property you would like to live in........................................9 7 Meeting the cost of retirement accommodation ..........................................................15 8 Helping you achieve your retirement choices..............................................................18 9 Conclusion.............................................................................................................21
1 Key Points
Planning for retirement
1.1 Unsurprisingly, the older people are, the more likely they are to have considered their
retirement options. 1.2 The proportion of people having made plans plateaus once people reach 40, with just over a
third of those aged 40-59 having already made plans. 1.3 19% of individuals felt unable to afford to plan financially for their retirement – this appears
not to be affected by age or their current location in the district, although those in the inner
city were more likely to feel like they should have got round to planning and less likely to
have arrangements in place. 1.4 Older people are more likely to have an employers or private pension – the younger you
are, the less likely you are to have an employers or private pension. 1.5 Age does not affect whether an individual expects to have savings built up by the time they
retire. 30% of people expect to have savings, regardless of their current age, suggesting
saving is more down to mentality than an ‘old way of doing things’. 1.6 A fifth of individuals currently living in the inner city don’t know how they are going to fund
their retirement, a further 12% are relying solely on state pension. 1.7 When given the opportunity to comment some people spoke about making information and
help available to assist them to plan for their old age. Others talked about the affordability
of general housing and how this impacts on their ability to plan financially. Having an
economically prosperous district with good access to employment was identified by some
individuals. Some people felt that the current system was unfair and that it rewarded those
who didn’t plan for their future and penalised those who did.
Where you live
1.8 The older you get, the more likely you are to want to continue to live in your current home
or neighbourhood. Owner occupiers are particularly attached to their current home. People
who privately rent are the least attached to their current property and even less likely to
expect to live in their current property during retirement, possibly reflecting the nature of
their insecure tenure. 1.9 22% of individuals expressed a preference for moving outside the district in their
retirement; White British individuals were more likely to consider this than those from BME
backgrounds. 1.10 Individuals from BME backgrounds are more likely to consider living with relatives than
white British people; especially if they were to develop some kind of health issue. 1.11 Many individuals living in bungalows expect their home to be suitable for their needs even if
they were to develop significant health issues. Those people living in semi-detached
housing often felt their home would be suitable if they were to develop slight health issues.
But many people living in detached houses, whilst expressing a strong preference to stay in
their current home, felt it would not be practical to do so if they developed even slight
health issues. Flats appeared to remain practical, even with health issues, but remained
generally low in preference regardless.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
4
1.12 Having safe neighbourhoods, with good access to services was raised as an issue. Other
people talked about ensuring services were available to enable people to live in their own
homes.
Specialist housing
1.13 Many people expressed a preference for specialist accommodation but only when they
developed severe health issues. Over a quarter of individuals expressed an interest in extra
care style developments once asked to consider their housing options if they were to
develop a severe health issue. Interestingly, less than 15% considered this option if they
were to develop a slight health issue suggesting that many people would wait for an
‘incident’ to happen instead of considering their options whilst their health is relatively good.
This would obviously have implications as it’s highly likely that there will be significant
emotional and practical issues that might affect a decision once such an incident occurs. 1.14 Women are more likely to consider living in specialist accommodation (such as sheltered
housing, extra care or residential care) than men. Those from BME backgrounds are less
likely to consider living in specialist accommodation. 1.15 Many people suggested that there should be more/higher quality provision of specialist
housing whilst others suggested that the Council should ensure that there are always
options available.
Paying for accommodation
1.16 Owner occupiership is the tenure of choice for the majority of people, especially amongst
those who already own their own home. However, the younger you are, the more likely it is
that you expect to still be paying off your mortgage into your retirement with nearly 30% of
those aged 18-29 expecting to still be paying their mortgage in their retirement. 1.17 An expectation and reliance on affordable rents is greater in the inner city and greater
amongst those people who currently rent. The opposite is true for those people currently
living in the Worth Valley or Wharfedale. 1.18 Many people were concerned about affordability, placing a strong emphasis on making sure
enough housing was made available and that it was provided in an affordable way (whether
this is through renting or ownership).
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
5
2 Introduction 2.1 In May 2010 Bradford Council’s housing service conducted research into the housing options
people aged 18-59 would like to see in the district when they retire, and to what extent
individuals are currently planning for their future housing needs. The survey is intended to
inform a new strategy for older people’s housing in the district.
2.2 The research will inform the medium/long term vision for older people’s housing in the
district, and will help us understand what interventions are required now to enable younger
people to plan effectively for their old age.
2.3 This report summarises the results of this consultation.
3 Methodology 3.1 The consultation was conducted in the form of a survey which was conducted in two ways to
increase response rate and ensure robust results…
• A computer based version of the survey was developed. This was placed on the
Council’s Intranet (Bradnet) to give council employees the opportunity to complete the
survey. In addition, an email was sent to partner organisations and businesses
operating in the district to encourage them to ask their employees to participate. An
automatic ‘pop-up’ was also added to the Council’s library computers to give members of
the public the opportunity to take part, and the survey was also placed on the Council’s
website. • In addition, a telephone based version of the survey was commissioned to target
households in the district at random. 3.2 A total of 1,567 surveys were completed over the consultation period which ran from May to
June 2010. The results presented in this report are weighted by age group, gender,
ethnicity, tenure, and dwelling type to ensure they are representative of the district as a
whole. Figure 1 Weighted responses by age group – Bradford District Figure 2 Weighted responses by ethnicity – Bradford District
Age 18-2932%
Age 30-3924%
Age 40-4924%
Age 50-5920%
White73%
Non-white27%
3.3 The number of responses to a survey directly impacts on how robust its findings are.
Statistically, we can be 95% confident that an overall headline result of 50% would be
within 2.5% of the actual figure. Where cross tabulated figures are quoted we can be 95%
confident that the results are within 6% of the actual for the majority of categories, rising to
a maximum of 8% for certain tenures and certain property types. Statistically we can be
more confident where stated results are closer to either 0% or 100%.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
6
4 Making plans for retirement 4.1 The survey asked two questions to understand the level of planning individuals are taking to
prepare for their retirement.
Question 10 Which of the following best describes what you have done to plan financially for
when you retire? Respondents were asked to select the ONE most appropriate option
• I am too young to think about it and haven’t done anything 18% • I should have thought about it by now but haven’t got round to it yet 10% • I am not in a position to plan for retirement as I have insufficient income 19% • I have thought about it but have not made any decisions or firm plans 19% • I have given it careful thought and decided what I am going to do 10% • I have already made arrangements for my retirement 23% • Something else 1%
4.2 Unsurprisingly, those aged 18-29 were more likely to consider themselves too young to
think about planning for their retirement (44%). 4.3 Just over a quarter of individuals aged 30-39 had already made arrangements for their
retirement, but 14% thought they should have thought about it but hadn’t got round to it
yet. 4.4 The proportion of people that have made arrangements for their retirement increases to just
over a third for individuals aged 40-49 or 50-59. 4.5 Being able to afford to financially plan for retirement doesn’t seem to be affected
significantly by age with around a fifth of individuals stating they have insufficient income to
plan. 4.6 Individuals from BME backgrounds are more likely to say they should have got round to
thinking about planning (15%) or consider themselves too young (29%) than white British
individuals (12%/7%) – this is irrespective of the actual age of the individual. 4.7 Individuals living in the inner city areas are more likely to think they should have got round
to thinking about planning but haven’t and less likely to have already made arrangements
than those living elsewhere. However, geographically there is no significant change in the
number of people thinking they have insufficient income to plan, across the district.
Question 11 Which of the following do you expect will help fund your retirement?
Respondents could select more than one option if it applied.
• Employers or private pension 57% • Savings 30% • Continue to work 24% • Investment in property (other than own home) 13% • Investment in stocks/shares 7% • Relying solely on state pension 7% • Don’t Know 12%
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
7
4.8 The older the individual, the more likely the are to have an employers or private pension Figure 3 Percentage of individuals expecting an employers or private pension will fund their retirement
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Age 18-29 Age 30-39 Age 40-49 Age 50-59
4.9 Older individuals are more likely to invest/have invested in stocks and shares. More men
than women have investments in stocks and shares. Those from BME backgrounds are less
likely to invest in stocks and shares than white British individuals. This may be due to the
availability of Government share offers in the 1980s and Building Society share offers in the
1990s. 4.10 Men are also more likely to invest in property (other than their own home), as are
individuals from BME backgrounds. 4.11 The percentage of individuals having savings, or expecting to have savings, by the time
they retire does not vary by age, remaining at around 30% regardless of age group. 4.12 In general, those living in the inner city are more likely to be relying solely on state pension
(12%) (i.e. they expect state pension to be the only source of income after retirement) than
those in other parts of the district, and also less likely to want to continue to work into
retirement age. An additional 20% of people in the inner city don’t know how they will fund
their retirement. 4.13 Just 1% of individuals living in Wharfedale/Worth Valley expect to rely solely on state
pension.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
8
5 Thinking about where you would like to live
Question 12 Which area would you PREFER to live in when you retire? Respondents could
select more than one option if they wished.
• Current neighbourhood 33%
• Near family/friends 24%
• Rural areas 25%
• Within town/village 14%
• Within City of Bradford 9%
• Bradford city centre 1%
• Outside Bradford District 22%
5.1 Understandably, older age groups are more likely to want to live in their current
neighbourhood than younger age groups, with nearly half of those aged 50-59 wanting to
stay in their current neighbourhood in comparison to just a quarter of those aged 18-29. 5.2 However, a bigger proportion of younger people (29%) would prefer to live close to
family/friends during old age than older age groups (18% of those aged 50-59). 5.3 Women are more likely to want to live in their current neighbourhood and close to
family/friends than men. Individuals from BME backgrounds are more likely to want to live
near family/friends than white British individuals, but less likely to want to live in their
current neighbourhood or rural areas. 5.4 A quarter of white British individuals would like to retire to somewhere outside the Bradford
district in comparison to 17% of those from BME backgrounds. 5.5 Individuals currently living in Wharfedale/Worth Valley are more likely to want to live in
their current neighbourhood and less likely to want to move outside the Bradford district
than those living in the rest of the district.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
9
6 Thinking about what kind of property you would like to live in
6.1 For all the questions in this section, respondents could choose more than one option if they
wished.
Question 13 What kind of property would you PREFER to live in when you retire? Figure 4 Preference for property type in retirement
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Residential care/nursing home
Live w ith relatives (other than partner)
Scheme w ith 24hr care/support linked to self contained homes (Extra Care)
Sheltered housing (w ith a w arden)
Other
Retirement development
Flat
Current home
Bungalow
House
Figure 5 Preference to live in current home (and neighbourhood) during retirement by current age group
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Age 18-29 Age 30-39 Age 40-49 Age 50-59
Current home Current neighbourhood
6.2 In line with individuals’ preference for location, the preference for individuals to stay in their
current home increases with age with 41% of individuals aged 50-59 expressing a
preference to stay in their current home in comparison to just 17% of those aged 18-29.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
10
Figure 6 Preference to live in current home by current property type
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Detached Semi-detached Bungalow Terrace/end terrace Flat / Apartment
6.3 Individuals currently living in flats are significantly less likely to want to continue to live in
their current property in retirement than other property types. Those living in detached
homes are more likely to express a preference to live in their current property.
Figure 7 Preference to live in current home by current tenure
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Owned outright Owned with a mortgage Rent through housingassociation
Rent through a privatelandlord
6.4 Owning a home is an important factor in whether an individual would prefer to live in their
current home during retirement, with individuals who rent less likely to want to live in their
current home during retirement. Just 13% of individuals who privately rent would prefer to
live in their current home in old age. 6.5 Women are more likely than men to consider a bungalow 6.6 Just 1% of white British individuals would consider living with relatives in comparison to
11% of those from BME backgrounds.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
11
6.7 More women than men would consider sheltered housing. Those from BME backgrounds are
less likely to consider sheltered housing than their white British counterparts. The same is
true for retirement developments.
Question 14 What kind of property would you realistically EXPECT to live in when you retire? Figure 8 Expectation in comparison with preference to live in property type during retirement
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Residential care/nursing home
Live w ith relatives (other than partner)
Scheme w ith 24hr care/support linked to self contained homes (Extra Care)
Sheltered housing (w ith a w arden)
Other
Retirement development
Flat
Current home
Bungalow
House
Prefer Expect
6.8 In the main, the difference between preference and expectation is not significant for most
property types. However, there are two exceptions – individuals are less likely to expect to
live in a bungalow and more likely to expect to live in a flat. Figure 9 Expectation in comparison with preference to live in property type during retirement by current tenure
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Owned outright Owned with amortgage
Rent through housingassociation
Rent through a privatelandlord
Prefer to live in current home Expect to live in current home
6.9 Whilst only 13% of individuals who currently private rent would prefer to live in their current
home during retirement, only 9% expect to be able to live in their current home – possibly
reflecting the insecurity of tenure of privately renting.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
12
Question 17 If you were to develop a SLIGHT physical or mental disability, what kind of
property would you prefer to live in? Figure 10 Preference for property type in retirement if develop a slight physical/mental disability
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Residential care/nursing home
Live w ith relatives (other than partner)
Scheme w ith 24hr care/support linked to self contained homes (Extra Care)
Sheltered housing (w ith a w arden)
Other
Retirement development
Flat
Current home
Bungalow
House
General preference Preference if developed slight health issues
6.10 When respondents were asked to consider what kind of property they would prefer if they
were to develop some kind of slight physical or mental disability there was a slight (but not
that significant) drop in the proportion of individuals wanting to live in their current home
during retirement. There was a slight increase in the proportion of individuals considering a
bungalow but there were big increases in the proportion of people considering sheltered
housing, extra care, living with relatives and residential nursing homes. 6.11 In a similar trend to their general preferences, women are more likely than men to consider
specialist accommodation (sheltered housing, extra care, residential care). White British
respondents were more likely to consider specialist accommodation than those from BME
backgrounds. 6.12 A fifth of those from BME backgrounds expressed a preference for living with relatives in
comparison to 9% of white British respondents. Figure 11 Preference for property type if develop a slight physical/mental disability by current tenure
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Ow ned outright
Ow ned w ith a mortgage
Rent through a private landlord
Rent through housing association
Scheme with 24hr care/support linked to self contained homes (Extra Care)
Residential care/nursing home
Sheltered housing (with a warden)
Retirement development
6.13 Owning a home makes the respondent less likely to consider specialist housing types, with
those who rent (either socially or privately) more likely to consider schemes such as
sheltered housing or extra care.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
13
Question 18 If you were to develop a SEVERE physical or mental disability, what kind of
property would you prefer to live in? Figure 12 Preference for property type in retirement if develop a severe physical/mental disability
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Residential care/nursing home
Live w ith relatives (other than partner)
Scheme w ith 24hr care/support linked to self contained homes (Extra Care)
Sheltered housing (w ith a w arden)
Other
Retirement development
Flat
Current home
Bungalow
House
General preference Preference if developed slight health issues Preference if developed severe health issues
6.14 When asked to consider their preferred retirement housing options if they were to develop a
severe physical or mental disability, respondents’ attitudes changed considerably, with a big
swing towards specialist accommodation away from living in their current home. 6.15 Again, more women than men considered specialist accommodation. And again, more white
British than those from BME backgrounds considered specialist accommodation. 6.16 Nearly a quarter of those from BME backgrounds would consider living with relatives in
comparison to 11% white British respondents. Figure 13 Preference to live in current home during retirement by varying levels of health scenarios and current property type
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Detached Semi-detached Bungalow Terrace/endterrace
Flat / Apartment
General Preference to live in current home
Preference to live in current home if develop slight health issues
Preference to live in current home if develop severe health issues
6.17 Those currently living in detached houses are less likely to consider living in their current
home as soon as they develop a slight health issue. In contrast, those living in bungalows
or flats are more likely to consider living in their current home when asked to consider the
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
14
slight health issue scenario. When asked to consider the severe health issue scenario,
respondents living in detached, semi-detached and terraced housing were significantly less
likely to consider living in their current property. 6.18 13 individuals (nearly 1%) expressed the opinion that they would rather die (this wasn’t an
option on the form).
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
15
7 Meeting the cost of retirement accommodation
Question 15 How would you PREFER to pay for your retirement accommodation? Respondents
could choose more than one option.
Question 16 How would you realistically EXPECT to pay for your accommodation?
Respondents could choose more than one option Figure 14 Respondents preferences and expectations for paying for their retirement accommodation
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Own outright
Own with a mortgage
Rent through a private landlord
Affordable rent
Part buy/part rent
Live with relatives (other than partner)
Let a room in my house
Other
Prefer Expect
7.1 Clearly the preferred option for the majority of individuals is to own their home outright, but
with a significant proportion still expecting to be paying off their mortgage in their
retirement. 7.2 Over a fifth expressed a requirement for affordable rent. 7.3 5% were interested in part buy part rent options.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
16
Figure 15 Respondents expectations for paying for retirement accommodation by age group
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Own outright Own with a mortgage Rent through a privatelandlord
Affordable rent
Age 18-29 Age 30-39 Age 40-49 Age 50-59
7.4 Respondents from younger age groups had clear aspirations for home ownership but were
more likely to expect to be paying their mortgage into their retirement. 7.5 Those respondents currently living in the inner city had less expectation of home ownership
and greater expectation of relying on affordable rent. The opposite is true for those
currently living in the Worth Valley/Wharfedale. Figure 16 Respondents expectations for paying for retirement accommodation by current tenure
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Own outright Own with a mortgage Rent through a privatelandlord
Affordable rent Part buy/part rent
Expected Tenure in Retirement
Currently Owned outright
Currently Owned with a mortgage
Currently Part Buy / Part Rent - Shared Ownership / Similar
Currently Rent through a private landlord
Currently Rent through housing association
7.6 Understandably, those individuals who currently own their own home (either through a
mortgage or outright) are more likely to prefer to own their home outright during
retirement.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
17
7.7 Interestingly, those individuals currently in shared ownership (or similar) also often
expected to be owning their home outright by the time they retire which suggests they see
their current tenure as a staircase to full ownership. 7.8 Affordable rent was more likely to be considered where the individual current rents. Figure 17 Preferences and expectations for home ownership in retirement for individuals that currently rent
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Currently Rent through a private landlord Currently Rent through housing association
Prefer to own Expect to own
7.9 Clearly, many individuals that currently rent aspire to home ownership – this is especially
true for individuals who privately rent. The gap between preference and expectation is
especially significant for those who currently rent through a housing association.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
18
8 Helping you achieve your retirement choices
Question 19 Realistically, how can the Council and its partners help you achieve your
retirement housing choices? Respondents were given the opportunity to provide an open ended
comment.
8.1 A fifth of the comments made were around affordability and ensuring affordability.
Comments ranged from offering affordable housing for rent to ensuring retirement schemes
were affordable in general.
“Make retirement housing realistically priced, rent and/or purchase outright”
“Making sure there are enough properties which are also affordable and lower mortgages”
Others talked about the affordability of general housing stock and how this would impact on
their ability to plan for their old age.
“More help to get on the housing market whilst still young. If I am forced to rent until old
age, I will have nothing to work with.”
8.2 Another fifth of comments were around the availability of well designed specialist housing
stock – many talked about building more of this kind of accommodation. Often people
suggested building more bungalows, others suggested investment to bring existing stock up
to standard.
“By planning ahead and ensure that the developments which are supported by the council
realistically plan for future generations and also consider that the prices charged are
realistic”
“Build more single housing units with their own small garden area in pleasant sites such as
the one I currently live on. Our site has families on as well so there are younger people
around to help”
“Encourage and support a variety of well-regulated housing and care providers in the area,
particularly those with innovative ideas, using best practice from other parts of the
country/Europe”
“Provide sheltered accommodation that is not ‘typical’ dull looking and uninviting
accommodation but somewhere that is nice to live, planned thoughtfully to preserve as
much independence as possible”
“Well I think the Council should be thinking now and starting to build sheltered
accommodation and similar properties over the next say 20 years or so, so that there will
be sufficient properties of this kind available for the elderly”
“They could build more bungalows as there isn’t many around here…”
8.3 Around a tenth of comments talked about the Council not being able to help, either because
they felt a strong sense of independence or because they had limited knowledge of the
Council’s remit and services.
“Not really, it’s up to me”
“I hope I will be able to remain independent into my old age and don’t expect to need
Council support regarding housing choices. If I do need support in old age I hope that my
family will be there for me if needed”
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
19
“That is an interesting question; I did not know Bradford Council did anything for the
retired”
8.4 Another tenth talked about ensuring provision and support to help people live in their own
homes.
“By having a range of services available where people can stay in their present property and
the services come to them. Don’t know whether this is possible, but it would be far better
in my opinion”
“By providing more support in the home at a more reasonable cost”
“By supporting people to continue to live independently in their own self contained space
with as little intrusion as possible. The services are most important, not the buildings”
8.5 Ensuring choice and flexibility were strong themes.
“I would like to see the council continue to offer a selection of housing options that would
suit everyone. I have stated my preferences but do not rule out the other options such as
residential care. Because I am realistic I know that I may need it”
“Providing a range of options to cover different circumstances that it is impossible to
anticipate as an individual”
8.6 Another strong theme was around making sure information was made available, some
people suggested being proactive.
“By informing me of the options available throughout my age – in a friendly and colourful
manner that wouldn’t make the ‘retirement age’ seem daunting and something to run away
from”
“Give more advice to young people about the options and the best way to start a long term
plan for the future. For example, is there likely to be a state pension in 40yrs time, are
private pensions the best way to go? How much is retirement likely to cost?”
“I think the key is to inform/educate people the realistic cost of living/being retired, and
how it can/can’t be funded”
“Let people know what is available, so people are more aware of where to go to find more
information on retirement housing”
“To help you know what’s available out there and what choices and funding you can have
and also let you know earlier on in life so you know what options you have”
8.7 A number of people talked about lowering taxes. Another related theme was around
ensuring we have a prosperous district with a strong economy and enough employment.
“Not charging me as much tax and a fairer benefits system”
“Regenerate the city and create long term and diverse job opportunities to help me help
myself earn enough to save and invest by remaining in work. I don’t think anyone that is
able to work and has the will to do so wants to rely on the government”
“By continuing to provide large scale employment”
“More opportunities to get a job”
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
20
8.8 Some people talked about fairness, and a system that seems to reward people for not
planning ahead.
“…reward those that have saved and helped towards saving for their future”
“By providing reduced cost/free accommodation which would not result in having to sell
much worked for assets to meet long term care costs”
“Ensure a fair way of providing care for all who need it as currently there is no incentive to
scrimp and save for old age as those who don’t are provided for anyway”
“Do not force people to sell off their homes to pay for care”
8.9 Some people talked about their neighbourhoods, access to services and being able to feel
safe to go out.
“…Ensure that neighbourhoods are designed with accessibility in mind…”
“By developing areas which are suitable for older people to live and not be scared to go
outside”
“Encourage the building of accessible housing on the level with shops and facilities and
public transport”
8.10 The final themes that came out the consultation were…
• Ensuring services are joined up, and easy to access
• Making pensions available and reliable
• Providing options for downsizing such as ‘help to move’ services or part buy/part rent
options that would enable people to release equity in their home
• Listening to people, and learning from those that have already reached retirement
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
21
9 Conclusion 9.1 The key points raised in the survey are presented at the beginning of this document.
9.2 The overarching finding from the survey is that there is no single option that we should
assume all people want to see when they get older. It is clear that many people will want
to stay in their own home but we cannot assume this will be the preferred option for
everyone. Often, people talked about having options available and it will be our challenge
to ensure we have enough provision of any particular type to enable that choice to be
available at a time when people want or need to make that decision.
9.3 In addition, people wanted to know what’s available in order for them to be able to make
that choice, whether that be through them being able to get the right information when they
are looking for it, or through us proactively engaging with individuals at key points in their
lives to trigger that thought process before it’s too late.
9.4 Upgrading and increasing the provision of the physical assets and services in our district
takes time, regardless of whether those assets are in public or private ownership. Whilst
the current economic climate will make it challenging for us to facilitate this, we must make
a strong case and make a start now to address the future housing needs for us all as we
reach old age. The results of this survey will form the basis for calculating the quantity and
type of specialist housing and related services required over the next 10 years and beyond
to ensure that choice is available for all of us.
9.5 Finally, it is clear from the results of the survey that the challenges facing older people will
not go away. Hopefully we will continue to see improvements to health and life expectancy
but many respondents anticipate rising costs associated with housing and living longer
(including increases in energy prices). Longer term, more people will be paying off their
mortgage into retirement, and fewer people will belong to a formal pension scheme. Many
people have turned to investing in property to fund their retirement, but with a limited
number of homes available, and with the majority of people still aspiring to home
ownership, others will inevitably lose out.
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
22
Appendix 1 – Tables
Question 10 Which of the following best describes what you have done to plan financially for
when you retire? (Single-option)
I am
too y
oung to thin
k
about it a
nd h
aven't d
one
anyth
ing.
I should h
ave thought
about it b
y n
ow b
ut
haven't g
ot ro
und to it yet.
I am
not in
a p
osition to
plan for re
tire
ment as I
have insufficient in
com
e.
I have thought about it b
ut
have n
ot m
ade a
ny
decisions o
r firm
plans.
I have g
iven it care
ful
thought and d
ecided w
hat
I am
goin
g to d
o.
I have a
lready m
ade
arrangem
ents
for m
y
retire
ment.
Som
eth
ing e
lse - p
lease
describe b
elow
Bradford 18% 10% 19% 19% 10% 23% 2%
Age 18-29 44% 10% 16% 14% 7% 8% 1%
Age 30-39 8% 14% 20% 23% 8% 26% 1%
Age 40-49 2% 8% 23% 22% 11% 34% 1%
Age 50-59 0% 6% 18% 21% 16% 34% 4%
Female 20% 11% 17% 20% 8% 23% 2%
Male 17% 10% 19% 17% 12% 24% 1%
BME 29% 15% 17% 17% 9% 12% 1%
White British 12% 7% 20% 20% 10% 29% 2%
Worth
Valley/Wharfedale 10% 8% 17% 16% 11% 36% 2%
Inner City 25% 14% 19% 21% 8% 12% 1%
Suburbs 14% 8% 19% 19% 12% 27% 1%
Question 11 Which of the following do you expect will help fund your retirement? (Multi-
option)
Em
ploy
ers
or
priv
ate
pens
ion
Con
tinue
to w
ork
Inve
stm
ent i
n st
ocks
/sha
res
Inve
stm
ent i
n pr
oper
ty (
othe
r th
an o
wn
hom
e)
Sav
ings
Rel
ying
sol
ey o
n st
ate
pens
ion
Don
't K
now
Bradford 57% 24% 7% 13% 30% 7% 12%
Age 18-29 46% 19% 5% 13% 31% 5% 20% Age 30-39 55% 29% 5% 14% 27% 7% 11% Age 40-49 66% 24% 7% 13% 31% 10% 5% Age 50-59 73% 28% 12% 10% 29% 9% 5%
Female 63% 23% 6% 11% 30% 5% 14% Male 53% 24% 8% 15% 29% 9% 10%
BME 40% 24% 3% 17% 28% 8% 19% White British 67% 25% 9% 11% 31% 7% 8% Worth Valley/Wharfedale
67% 25% 8% 12% 38% 1% 6%
Inner City 42% 20% 4% 13% 25% 12% 20% Suburbs 67% 26% 9% 13% 32% 6% 8%
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
23
Question 12 Which area would you PREFER to live in when you retire? (Multi-option)
Cur
rent
ne
ighb
ourh
ood
Nea
r fa
mily
/frie
nds
Rur
al a
reas
(p
eace
and
qu
iet)
With
in
tow
n/vi
llage
With
in C
ity o
f B
radf
ord
Bra
dfor
d C
ity
Cen
tre
Out
side
Bra
dfor
d D
istr
ict
Bradford 33% 24% 25% 14% 9% 1% 22% Age 18-29 24% 29% 24% 11% 11% 2% 23% Age 30-39 30% 25% 26% 15% 10% 1% 19% Age 40-49 39% 21% 26% 14% 7% 0% 23% Age 50-59 47% 18% 22% 16% 7% 2% 22% Female 37% 27% 24% 15% 6% 1% 20% Male 31% 20% 25% 12% 11% 2% 24% BME 29% 30% 21% 10% 17% 2% 17% White British 36% 21% 27% 15% 6% 1% 25% Worth Valley/Wharfedale 55% 19% 21% 13% 3% 0% 15% Inner City 29% 28% 21% 11% 12% 2% 20% Suburbs 32% 25% 27% 16% 8% 1% 25%
Question 13 What kind of property would you PREFER to live in when you retire? (Multi-
option)
Live
with
rel
ativ
es
(oth
er th
an p
artn
er)
Cur
rent
hom
e
Hou
se
Fla
t
Bun
galo
w
Ret
irem
ent
deve
lopm
ent
She
ltere
d ho
usin
g (w
ith a
war
den)
Res
iden
tial
care
/nur
sing
hom
e
Ext
ra C
are
Oth
er
Bradford 5% 25% 36% 8% 33% 7% 5% 0% 5% 5% Age 18-29 6% 17% 49% 5% 25% 3% 2% 0% 4% 4% Age 30-39 6% 23% 40% 7% 35% 9% 6% 1% 5% 7% Age 40-49 2% 28% 27% 11% 40% 8% 8% 1% 4% 7% Age 50-59 3% 41% 17% 10% 37% 9% 6% 0% 8% 4% Female 4% 25% 35% 7% 37% 8% 6% 0% 7% 5% Male 5% 26% 38% 7% 28% 5% 4% 0% 3% 6% BME 11% 24% 43% 4% 27% 3% 2% 0% 3% 4% White British 1% 26% 33% 9% 37% 8% 7% 0% 6% 6% Worth Valley/Wharfedale 3% 29% 36% 7% 33% 7% 3% 1% 3% 6% Inner City 10% 22% 41% 7% 29% 4% 4% 0% 4% 5% Suburbs 2% 28% 34% 7% 37% 8% 8% 0% 7% 6% Bungalow 1% 29% 25% 10% 52% 11% 4% 0% 11% 3% Detached 4% 36% 36% 5% 32% 4% 2% 0% 5% 3% Flat / Apartment 3% 9% 41% 18% 30% 8% 10% 1% 6% 7% Semi-detached 4% 30% 34% 5% 35% 6% 5% 1% 5% 5% Terrace/end terrace 6% 23% 41% 5% 31% 6% 4% 0% 5% 6% Live with parents /relatives /friends 10% 12% Owned outright 3% 44% Owned with a mortgage 3% 30% Rent through a private landlord 5% 13% Rent through housing association 5% 18%
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
24
Question 14 What kind of property would you realistically EXPECT to live in when you retire?
(Multi-option)
Live
with
rel
ativ
es
(oth
er th
an p
artn
er)
Cur
rent
hom
e
Hou
se
Fla
t
Bun
galo
w
Ret
irem
ent
deve
lopm
ent
She
ltere
d ho
usin
g (w
ith a
war
den)
Res
iden
tial
care
/nur
sing
hom
e
Ext
ra C
are
Oth
er
Bradford 6% 26% 35% 11% 27% 6% 6% 2% 4% 6%
Age 18-29 9% 15% 48% 10% 24% 5% 6% 4% 3% 5% Age 30-39 9% 24% 36% 10% 31% 6% 5% 1% 3% 7% Age 40-49 2% 32% 28% 13% 33% 7% 6% 1% 3% 6% Age 50-59 2% 45% 19% 12% 23% 7% 8% 1% 6% 6%
Female 5% 28% 35% 10% 29% 8% 7% 2% 5% 6% Male 8% 25% 38% 12% 27% 3% 3% 0% 2% 6%
BME 13% 25% 44% 7% 21% 4% 3% 1% 3% 4% White British 3% 27% 32% 13% 31% 7% 7% 2% 4% 7%
Worth Valley/Wharfedale 3% 28% 35% 9% 31% 8% 4% 3% 2% 5% Inner City 12% 23% 41% 10% 23% 5% 4% 1% 2% 5% Suburbs 3% 29% 32% 11% 31% 6% 8% 2% 6% 7%
Bungalow 1% 34% 19% 13% 38% 15% 3% 0% 4% 1% Detached 7% 31% 36% 8% 29% 6% 3% 3% 3% 3% Flat / Apartment 6% 5% 34% 27% 20% 5% 13% 3% 3% 8% Semi-detached 4% 30% 35% 8% 30% 4% 5% 1% 3% 5% Terrace/end terrace 6% 27% 39% 7% 28% 7% 4% 1% 3% 6% Live with parents /relatives /friends
12% 16%
Owned outright 5% 44% Owned with a mortgage 3% 33% Rent through a private landlord 7% 9% Rent through housing association
4% 17%
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
25
Question 15 How would you PREFER to pay for your retirement accommodation? (Multi-
option)
Ow
n ou
trig
ht
Ow
n w
ith a
m
ortg
age
Ren
t thr
ough
a
priv
ate
land
lord
Affo
rdab
le r
ent
Par
t buy
/par
t ren
t
Live
with
rel
ativ
es
(oth
er th
an p
artn
er)
Let a
roo
m in
my
hous
e
Oth
er
Bradford 68% 10% 6% 18% 5% 3% 1% 5%
Age 18-29 63% 18% 5% 14% 4% 6% 2% 5% Age 30-39 67% 8% 7% 17% 4% 3% 1% 7% Age 40-49 75% 6% 7% 18% 8% 1% 0% 3% Age 50-59 70% 2% 5% 25% 4% 0% 0% 3%
Female 71% 10% 6% 18% 5% 3% 1% 4% Male 68% 12% 5% 15% 5% 4% 1% 5%
BME 62% 16% 4% 14% 5% 6% 2% 7% White British 72% 7% 7% 20% 5% 2% 1% 3%
Worth Valley/Wharfedale 85% 7% 3% 8% 3% 2% 1% 4% Inner City 58% 14% 8% 20% 5% 5% 2% 6% Suburbs 76% 9% 5% 17% 5% 2% 1% 4%
Bungalow 72% 4% 8% 15% 1% 1% 2% 1% Detached 80% 7% 0% 9% 3% 2% 1% 6% Flat / Apartment 44% 10% 8% 32% 5% 4% 1% 5% Semi-detached 74% 9% 6% 16% 6% 2% 1% 4% Terrace/end terrace 71% 12% 6% 15% 4% 3% 1% 4% Live with parents /relatives /friends
61% 21% 4% 14% 4% 8% 2% 1%
Owned outright 87% 3% 2% 6% 3% 1% 0% 6% Owned with a mortgage 82% 6% 3% 13% 3% 2% 0% 3% Rent through a private landlord 51% 14% 15% 22% 8% 2% 4% 6% Rent through housing association
33% 14% 10% 40% 4% 1% 0% 10%
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
26
Question 16 How would you realistically EXPECT to pay for your accommodation? (Multi-
option)
Ow
n ou
trig
ht
Ow
n w
ith a
m
ortg
age
Ren
t thr
ough
a
priv
ate
land
lord
Affo
rdab
le r
ent
Par
t buy
/par
t ren
t
Live
with
rel
ativ
es
(oth
er th
an p
artn
er)
Let a
roo
m in
my
hous
e
Oth
er
Bradford 56% 17% 7% 21% 5% 4% 1% 5%
Age 18-29 48% 29% 6% 17% 3% 7% 2% 5% Age 30-39 57% 12% 9% 21% 4% 3% 0% 6% Age 40-49 61% 12% 8% 22% 10% 3% 1% 4% Age 50-59 65% 5% 6% 26% 5% 1% 0% 3%
Female 56% 17% 7% 21% 6% 4% 1% 5% Male 60% 17% 7% 18% 4% 4% 1% 4%
BME 50% 20% 6% 15% 5% 8% 1% 7% White British 61% 15% 8% 24% 5% 2% 1% 3%
Worth Valley/Wharfedale 76% 14% 4% 11% 4% 3% 0% 3% Inner City 47% 19% 9% 24% 4% 6% 2% 6% Suburbs 61% 17% 6% 20% 6% 2% 1% 4%
Bungalow 74% 8% 6% 19% 5% 1% 0% 1% Detached 78% 10% 3% 11% 2% 3% 0% 2% Flat / Apartment 19% 19% 10% 42% 8% 4% 1% 6% Semi-detached 62% 17% 6% 18% 3% 2% 0% 4% Terrace/end terrace 60% 17% 7% 18% 5% 5% 1% 6% Live with parents /relatives /friends
50% 28% 6% 15% 5% 9% 1% 2%
Owned outright 83% 5% 2% 6% 3% 2% 1% 2% Owned with a mortgage 72% 13% 4% 14% 5% 4% 1% 5% Rent through a private landlord 35% 23% 17% 30% 7% 3% 2% 5% Rent through housing association
15% 17% 12% 50% 3% 2% 0% 8%
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
27
Question 17 If you were to develop a SLIGHT physical or mental disability, what kind of
property would you prefer to live in? (Multi-option)
Live
with
rel
ativ
es
(oth
er th
an p
artn
er)
Cur
rent
hom
e
Hou
se
Fla
t
Bun
galo
w
Ret
irem
ent
deve
lopm
ent
She
ltere
d ho
usin
g (w
ith a
war
den)
Res
iden
tial
care
/nur
sing
hom
e
Ext
ra C
are
Oth
er
Bradford 12% 23% 15% 5% 35% 9% 16% 6% 14% 4%
Age 18-29 17% 15% 20% 4% 33% 6% 10% 7% 11% 3% Age 30-39 16% 22% 16% 4% 35% 10% 19% 8% 16% 5% Age 40-49 7% 28% 10% 8% 39% 11% 22% 4% 15% 5% Age 50-59 5% 34% 8% 7% 35% 11% 16% 3% 17% 3%
Female 15% 24% 10% 4% 34% 11% 19% 5% 18% 4% Male 11% 22% 19% 6% 37% 6% 12% 7% 11% 5%
BME 21% 22% 17% 3% 34% 5% 8% 6% 11% 3% White British 9% 24% 13% 6% 36% 11% 20% 6% 17% 4%
Worth Valley/Wharfedale 16% 24% 11% 6% 35% 12% 13% 6% 17% 5% Inner City 19% 18% 18% 5% 36% 6% 16% 6% 12% 4% Suburbs 8% 27% 13% 5% 38% 10% 19% 6% 16% 4%
Bungalow 4% 32% 10% 8% 42% 16% 10% 3% 8% 3% Detached 14% 21% 12% 2% 37% 10% 8% 3% 12% 8% Flat / Apartment 14% 11% 17% 13% 23% 8% 33% 11% 19% 5% Semi-detached 10% 30% 15% 3% 34% 6% 14% 4% 11% 3% Terrace/end terrace 15% 20% 16% 3% 40% 10% 13% 6% 15% 3% Live with parents /relatives /friends
21% 13% 22% 3% 34% 5% 7% 7% 8% 3%
Owned outright 13% 39% 7% 3% 37% 7% 9% 2% 14% 3% Owned with a mortgage 8% 29% 11% 5% 41% 12% 16% 5% 14% 5% Rent through a private landlord 17% 10% 24% 8% 27% 8% 25% 8% 17% 5% Rent through housing association
9% 19% 12% 6% 30% 8% 25% 7% 18% 2%
‘Thinking Ahead’ Survey Results July 2010
28
Question 18 If you were to develop a SEVERE physical or mental disability, what kind of
property would you prefer to live in? (Multi-option)
Live
with
rel
ativ
es
(oth
er th
an p
artn
er)
Cur
rent
hom
e
Hou
se
Fla
t
Bun
galo
w
Ret
irem
ent
deve
lopm
ent
She
ltere
d ho
usin
g (w
ith a
war
den)
Res
iden
tial
care
/nur
sing
hom
e
Ext
ra C
are
Oth
er
Bradford 15% 14% 7% 3% 21% 8% 18% 22% 28% 5%
Age 18-29 20% 11% 10% 3% 16% 7% 12% 24% 21% 5% Age 30-39 16% 11% 7% 1% 23% 9% 20% 23% 31% 5% Age 40-49 11% 15% 6% 4% 24% 8% 26% 21% 30% 6% Age 50-59 8% 20% 5% 5% 22% 10% 19% 20% 33% 5%
Female 17% 13% 5% 2% 17% 9% 21% 24% 32% 4% Male 14% 13% 10% 3% 24% 7% 15% 23% 22% 7%
BME 24% 15% 11% 2% 21% 5% 11% 16% 20% 5% White British 11% 13% 6% 3% 21% 10% 22% 27% 32% 5%
Worth Valley/Wharfedale 19% 10% 6% 4% 17% 9% 21% 28% 30% 6% Inner City 20% 11% 9% 3% 24% 7% 14% 22% 22% 6% Suburbs 12% 15% 5% 2% 20% 8% 22% 23% 32% 5%
Bungalow 6% 28% 8% 1% 17% 11% 15% 23% 40% 1% Detached 11% 15% 5% 2% 21% 12% 13% 17% 26% 9% Flat / Apartment 15% 7% 7% 7% 17% 10% 31% 26% 37% 4% Semi-detached 14% 16% 6% 1% 19% 7% 17% 29% 22% 5% Terrace/end terrace 19% 11% 9% 2% 25% 6% 15% 18% 26% 6% Live with parents /relatives /friends
24% 5% 11% 1% 19% 10% 12% 23% 20% 5%
Owned outright 12% 26% 3% 2% 25% 9% 15% 16% 27% 6% Owned with a mortgage 12% 15% 5% 3% 23% 9% 19% 23% 29% 6% Rent through a private landlord 19% 9% 12% 5% 11% 6% 19% 26% 33% 3% Rent through housing association
14% 11% 9% 5% 22% 7% 23% 24% 23% 7%