Over 3,500 new homes to be built to enable older and disabled people to live independently

Over 3,500 new homes will be built as part of the Department for Health’s project to boost the supported housing market.

The homes have been purpose designed for older and disabled people, to improve the quality of resident’s lives and allow them to live independently for as long as possible.

Welcoming the project, Norman Lamb, Care and Support Minister said: “As we know, most people want to be independent in their own homes and as the population ages, more and more of us will need housing that supports us to do that.

“We have awarded companies funding to build 3,544 homes around the country. These will be tailored to people’s needs and will help them to remain active as long as possible without the need of going into a care home.

“Better and more suitable housing will also alleviate pressure on carers and families, as the person being cared for will be able to carry out everyday tasks more easily.”

Last year the Government encouraged local authorities to bid for a share in funding worth £300m which has now been allocated and will see the Homes and Communities Agency work with 86 successful agencies to create affordable supportive housing.

There will also be nearly 700 houses built in London, which will allow more people to be able to remain living in the city regardless of their age and any increase to their social care needs.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: “It is essential that we increase the supply of purpose built, quality homes for older and disabled Londoners if they are to have a real choice in how and where they live. These affordable homes will help hundreds of Londoners remain in their own communities and, with a greater demand for quality and design, raise the benchmark for how this type of housing is delivered for this growing demographic.”

One thousand jobs will be created throughout the country, with carers providing practical help and assistance to vulnerable people in their own homes to reduce the need for them to move into care homes or hospitals.

Features of the new builds will include very few or no stairs, wheelchair friendly facilities, adapted bathrooms and handrails to reduce the chance of falls occurring.

Andy Rose, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, which has received £92m of the funding, said: “Housing plays a crucial role in helping older people and disabled adults to live as independently as possible and with an ageing population and changing demographics, investment in specialised housing is more important than ever.

“Government has committed significant investment and I am pleased that the HCA has made allocations for so many new high quality homes to be built, while delivering value for money for the taxpayer.

“This is core business for the HCA and the allocations announced today will help make a real difference to people’s lives in communities right across the country.”

The Department of Health will be working with private specialised housing providers on the next phase of the funding later in the year.