Exeter MP Steve Race backs retirement villages to ease housing and care pressures

Exeter MP Steve Race says purpose-built retirement communities could be key to tackling the city’s housing and care pressures after seeing first-hand how Millbrook Village is helping older people live independently.

The Labour MP toured the later-living community on the outskirts of Exeter on Friday 9 January to see first-hand how modern retirement villages support independent, active lifestyles for older residents.

During the visit, he met residents and staff, spoke with the Village Manager and took a full tour of the site, including the gym, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, games room, lounge and medical room. 

He also observed a group fitness class and a resident-led crafting session, giving him a practical insight into how the community operates day to day.

The visit was organised by ARCO – the Associated Retirement Community Operators – as part of a national programme to engage MPs and demonstrate how specialist retirement housing can help people remain independent for longer while reducing demand on overstretched public services.

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A major focus of the discussions was the Government’s planned overhaul of leasehold laws. Ministers are preparing to introduce a new Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, which aims to modernise the system and eventually phase out traditional leasehold arrangements.

Mr Race used the visit to hear concerns about how proposed changes could affect retirement communities and their residents, with ARCO arguing that any reforms need to take account of the specific way villages like Millbrook operate.

After spending time speaking with residents, the Exeter MP told Exeter Today that he had been impressed by the positive atmosphere and strong sense of community.

“I really enjoyed my visit to Millbrook a few weeks ago,” he said.

“It was great to hear how much residents get out of the village environment and see the lively community they’ve built together.

“We chatted about everything from leasehold reform to traffic lights and I’m looking forward to going back later in the year to hold a full advice surgery for residents.”

Millbrook Village, which is run by Inspired Villages Group, offers a range of on-site facilities and services designed to help older people live independently while remaining socially active and connected.

Village Manager Gavin Hogg said the visit had been an important opportunity to show how retirement communities can benefit both residents and the wider local area.

“It was a pleasure to host Steve Race and show him Millbrook’s on-site facilities,” he said.

“He gained a real understanding of how a strong village community, supported by Inspired Villages Group, combines a comprehensive wellness programme with a wide range of services to ensure residents enjoy a fulfilling, active lifestyle with minimal stress.

“Steve also spent time with our Residents’ Association, seeing how we work together to create a supportive environment that promotes independence, connection and wellbeing for everyone living here.”

Supporters of the retirement village model say schemes like Millbrook can help tackle some of Exeter’s biggest long-term challenges – including an ageing population, pressure on NHS services and the shortage of suitable housing for older people.

By offering accessible homes, social opportunities and on-site support, communities of this kind can reduce loneliness, help residents stay healthier for longer and free up larger family homes elsewhere in the city.

ARCO believes that ensuring retirement communities are properly considered in the upcoming Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will be crucial to allowing the sector to expand and meet rising demand.

Mr Race’s visit forms part of a wider push to make Exeter a city better prepared for an ageing population, with housing options that allow people to remain independent while staying close to family, friends and local services.

He is expected to return to Millbrook Village later this year to hold an advice surgery for residents and continue discussions about how national housing reforms will affect Exeter communities.