Older people's charity Help the Aged has said that new proposals regarding social housing are, in principle, "good".

Regarding new proposals laid out in a speech by housing minister Yvette Cooper, senior housing policy adviser at the organisation Joe Oldman said that elderly people must have access to high-quality, independent accommodation advice.

He added that the proposals for elderly people to be given more choices regarding retirement housing are "in principle, a good idea", but stated that it is essential that they should not be put under any pressure to move.

"Retirement housing should be situated within a supportive neighbourhood where older people have access to community resources that support them to live independently," Mr Oldman added.

He concluded that if they choose, elderly people should be given the resources they need to stay in their own home and that adaptations to existing housing stock should mean that older people who do not wish to move do not have to because their property no longer meets their needs.

In recent days the charity stated that it was "very pleased" with government proposals regarding care payments for older people.