<p><span>People living in retirement housing can help revitalise high streets after the pandemic, with this type of housing creating more local jobs than any other form of housing, according to a report released today (February 5). </span></p> <p><span>A retirement group behind the report have called upon the chancellor to recognise the spending power of “silver saviours” and ensure that more retirement homes are built.</span></p> <p><span>The report, <i><a href="https://homesforlaterliving.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Homes-For-Later-Living-Silver-saviours-for-the-high-street-.pdf">Silver Saviours for the High Street</a></i>, from the Homes for Later Living campaign group and written by former government economist Chris Walker, associate at WPI Strategy, reveals that older people living in a typical 45-apartment retirement scheme spend around £550,000 </span><span>per year</span><span>, with £347,000 of this going to local high street shops, supporting retail jobs and allowing amenities to stay open.</span></p> <p><span>Homes for Later Living said the report also showed that retirement housing generated more local economic value than all other types of residential housing, with a new average-sized retirement scheme creating </span><span>85 temporary construction jobs and a further six permanent jobs on average.</span></p> <p><span>According to the report, if the UK were to build 30,000 retirement homes a year – what Homes for Later Living is calling for from the government to keep …