Mayor plans more capacity in capital

The mayor of London has proposed to increase the supply of care homes and extra care housing,  using his planning powers.

The proposal is contained in Ken Livingstone’s draft strategy for older people, published this week, which lays out how he will use his influence on government and providers, rather than any direct powers.

London boroughs’ local plans must be in “general conformity” with planning guidance issued by the mayor, and the strategy proposes to use his powers to “address the need for new care homes and extra care housing”.