<p><span>Retirement community trade body ARCO has called for a government task force to help remove the barriers preventing the growth of quality housing-with-care for the elderly population.</span><br/></p><p><span>During its AGM, held virtually, ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators) stated that a government task force would bring “clarity and consistency” to regulation. Current rules were “conflicting, confused and contradictory” for residents, prospective residents and investors, it said.</span><br/></p><p><span>Following recent reports from the County Councils Network and Professor Les Mayhew, both urging for a more joined up government approach to retirement communities, ARCO said such an approach should unite all relevant government departments including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department of Health and Social Care, and representatives of the sector and local government.</span><br/></p><p><span>The trade body pointed out that previous government task forces, including that for the private rented sector, “have shown the potential of joined up working between governmental and sector stakeholders”.</span><br/></p><p><span>ARCO says that housing-with-care settings have effectively shielded residents during the coronavirus crisis, with older people leading healthier lives and the product “strengthening the housing market for all generations”.</span><br/></p><p><span>Nick Sanderson, ARCO chair and ceo of Audley Villages, said: “This is a seminal moment for the sector. We can …