Dementia: New research shows that good design improves independence

New guidelines launched by the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the University of Stirling, reveal how clever design of living spaces can improve the lives of people who are living with two common conditions - dementia and visual impairment. The evidence-based guidelines help make homes more accessible for people with both conditions and were developed after researchers gathered the views and experiences of people living with dementia and sight loss, their families and carers and a wide range of professionals. The guidelines were compiled after an evidence review and wide consultation with people with dementia and visual impairment, carers, relatives, care home staff and managers, and other professionals. They highlight key areas in the home that could be improved with better design. Simple measures such as the use of colour and contrast, clever lighting, the design of cupboard doors and audible and tactile control panels are among those suggested to help improve the lives and independence of people with both dementia and visual impairment. Access Newsletter – June 2014 6 For further information, visit the Housing Net website http://tinyurl.com/lxb5hsw

Homes at risk due to flooding

Millions of people living on flood plains are unaware that their homes are at risk, according to the Government's climate change adviser, which says three-quarters of England's flood defence systems are not being adequately maintained. The committee on climate change (CCC) warns that cuts to the Environment Agency’s budget have weakened the UK’s protection against flooding and are likely to lead to problems in the future. The committee found that Environment Agency staff cuts since 2010 had left it with 40% fewer staff to advise local authorities and developers on planning applications in flood-risk areas. This meant that 12,000 applications for flood-plain developments of nine houses or fewer went unassessed last year.

Science parks threatened

David Harman, the chairman of the UK Science Park Association, has warned that the role of science parks as centres for business innovation is under threat as more sites are bought by large property companies. Mr Harman argues that property companies are preoccupied with "facilitating savings" rather than nurturing innovation. "This active management of innovation communities is also a key differentiator between our members and those running business and trade parks. Real estate is obviously important, but it is far from the sole driver of our success," he says

Investors less likely to invest in an independent Scotland

A survey by Nabarro shows that 81% of Britain’s top property developers and investors would be “less likely” to invest in an independent Scotland. The research shows that Scottish cities were already falling out of favour, with only 10% of the 239 investors polled stating they would invest in Glasgow while 23% would consider Edinburgh. In comparison, 73% of investors polled would invest in Manchester and 42% would invest in Birmingham. More than half also said they believed that while London would remain a magnet for investors its commercial real estate market was “over-valued”. The number of mortgages being approved has dipped to the lowest level since January, according to new figures from the Bank of England. The Bank said that there were 61,707 home-loan approvals for house purchases made in May, down from 62,806 the previous month and lower than a recent peak of 75,901 in January. The dip in May approvals follows the introduction of new lending rules in April under the Mortgage Market Review, which force banks and building societies to undertake tough affordability checks before they grant loans. “We expect mortgage lending volumes to stage a gradual recovery in the second half of this year,” comments Paul Hollingsworth of Capital Economics. TheEvening Standard’sJames Ashton questions whether the market is naturally correcting itself without the need for interference, but calls what the Financial Policy Committee has done so far “reasonable and balanced”. .

Mortgage approvals slide

The number of mortgages being approved has dipped to the lowest level since January, according to new figures from the Bank of England. The Bank said that there were 61,707 home-loan approvals for house purchases made in May, down from 62,806 the previous month and lower than a recent peak of 75,901 in January. The dip in May approvals follows the introduction of new lending rules in April under the Mortgage Market Review, which force banks and building societies to undertake tough affordability checks before they grant loans. “We expect mortgage lending volumes to stage a gradual recovery in the second half of this year,” comments Paul Hollingsworth of Capital Economics. TheEvening Standard’sJames Ashton questions whether the market is naturally correcting itself without the need for interference, but calls what the Financial Policy Committee has done so far “reasonable and balanced”. .