Two new Flash Reports prepared by the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) are now available and provide information on the Albanian National Action Plan on Ageing 2020-2024, and the “Help to Buy” scheme in the UK.

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• With its National Action Plan on Ageing 2020-2024, Albania introduces a series of measures related to long-term care that aim to guarantee quality services for all elderly people in need of care through better regulation of the caregivers’ profession, adequate standards, care protocols for medical staff and nurses, and training in long-term care. The Plan also anticipates greater focus on prevention and a reduction of inequalities in the treatment of older people’s needs.
• In the UK, the “Help to Buy” scheme provides buyers of new homes with loans of 20% of the purchase price, to improve affordability and to encourage building after the 2008 financial crisis. It has resulted in modest increases in building and has prevented the home ownership rate falling. However, most recipients could have bought without support. “Help to Buy” has led to higher prices for new homes and higher profits for builders, and has tied up government borrowing capacity that could have been used for more efficient or targeted schemes.