Older people in big houses - selfish?

One of today's leading news stories focuses on the call of new group; The Intergenerational Foundation, for tax breaks to encourage older people to downsize and help free up family-size houses.

 

It is estimated there are 25 million unused bedrooms in England, and this charity say that while many people are living longer and staying in what was once their family home, younger families are being squeezed into smaller properties.

 

The group doesn't seem to want older people to be forced to move, but many people reading the article (see the 380 comments!) have highlighted the sentiment seems to imply that remaining in a house larger than you require is selfish.

 

To read the full story click here.

 

What do you think?

Is it selfish for people to continue living in big family houses with multiple bedrooms going unused?

Or is a home more than just walls and rooms?

Would tax breaks encourage you to downsize?

 

Very interesting debates going on around this!

 

Tags: MfOPdisc, housing

Views: 957

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard Alexandar on March 23, 2012 at 20:01

I don't understand, Mr Thompson. Please explain to me.

Permalink Reply by Michael Thompson on March 23, 2012 at 20:12

Explain what ?

Permalink Reply by Richard Alexandar on March 23, 2012 at 20:14

Well, I'd gladly tell you, but you should already have guessed.

Permalink Reply by Michael Thompson on March 23, 2012 at 21:05

Why should I have already guessed ?

Permalink Reply by Richard Alexandar on March 23, 2012 at 22:15

Why would you be unable to?

Permalink Reply by Michael Thompson on March 23, 2012 at 22:23

Can you get to the point please. ?

Permalink Reply by Richard Alexandar on March 23, 2012 at 22:35

Actually, you were first. Don't be coy.

Permalink Reply by Michael Thompson on November 26, 2011 at 23:30

I get sick and tired of the politicians and media telling us that the reason for our pensions cris is that we are all living longer.

 

This is utter bullshit when "one" considers the real wealth of this country in all it's aspects.

 

I want to know why people seem to fall for this diatribe ?

Permalink Reply by Angela Mumford on November 28, 2011 at 22:02

I agree - I question that we are in fact living longer.  My mother was 90 when she died, her sister 94, and her 2 aunts over 100.  My brother was 57 and three cousins died in their 60's, my grand father was 78 and several of my contemporaries in their late 60's when they died.  Perhaps there are more older people so it appears as if they are living longer.  More to do with population explosion than extended good health.  

 

Permalink Reply by Angela Mumford on November 28, 2011 at 22:11

The real reason for a pension crisis is bad investment, resulting in asset stripping and over speculation.  It started way back with the erroneous belief in the natural stabilisation of market values, Ayn Rand and the new capitalists.....

Permalink Reply by Michael Thompson on November 28, 2011 at 22:20

I think generally we are living longer, what I dont like is this and successive government's making this the excuse for not paying a decent State pension to our elderly people.

 

Britain is a very rich country, but the Tory right wing dont believe in the State pension, and that's why its so low.

Permalink Reply by Richard Alexandar on January 30, 2012 at 19:16

You are a politicion. The internet is a medium.

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