Our Top 5 Priorities for 2026 - No 4. Digital Switchover: Switching over to digital before the analogue switch-off
As we step into 2026, our focus is on creating homes and communities that are inclusive, resilient and future-ready. From accessible housing and intergenerational living, to healthier neighbourhoods, digital readiness, and better supported housing, our 5 top priorities highlight where action matters most.
Prioriy No 4. Digital Switchover: Switching over to digital before the analogue switch-off
With a year to go by which time the digital switchover will have taken place in the UK, it is vital for the continuity of any care and support services into people's homes that are currently reliant on analogue systems to quickly become 'digi-ready', as highlighted in the Older People's Housing Taskforce report. This particularly applies to grouped living, specialist and supported housing schemes where the infrastructure is often an older, hard-wired, community alarm or telecare system.
Research suggests that our sector is behind, putting millions of older and vulnerable people at risk. If you haven't already engaged your residents or customers and/or talked to your suppliers about switching services over digitally before the switch off (or any other planned related operational changes to be made), apply the coproduced TAPPI (Technology for an Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation) principles, to get switched on to having those conversations now and prioritising the key actions needed over the next 12 months.
How can we help you?
For information about TAPPI and the range of resources on technology-enabled care and housing (TeCH) curated by the Housing LIN, visit our dedicated webpage.
To tell us how you are preparing for ‘digital readiness’ or to discuss your requirements, click here or email us at consultancy@housinglin.org.uk (opens new window).
Lastly, building on the HAPPI and TAPPI principles, each of our top 5 priority themes for 2026 is also shaped by the core areas that will form a fundamental part of our Vivensa Foundation-funded SHAPE Exchange programme over the next 5 years. More details will be out soon to coincide with our annual conferences in Newcastle and Bristol.