Operational expertise Due to a current shortage of experienced operators in the UK, there’s a need to develop strong operational capabilities to service the pipeline of new build senior living schemes. To safely incorporate any ‘personal’ care or ‘nursing’, providers will need authorisation and will be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Event fees Whilst the continued use of event fees in investment models has been endorsed by the Government’s response to Law Commission recommendations, such use remains subject to scrutiny by local planning authorities – it has been held by the Planning Inspector on an appeal that the capital value of future event fee income should be taken into account in viability assessments to determine the level of affordable housing to be provided. Leasehold reform But in January 2021 the government announced a change to its position on ground rents. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 which received Royal Asset on 8 February 2022 includes leases of retirement homes (being those where occupation is restricted to those aged 55 or over) within the scope of the ban on ground rents, subject to the provisions not coming into force for retirement homes prior to 1 April 2023 which is intended to give the sector additional time to prepare. 29 The senior living sector