Government provides £76m to create thousands of additional supported living homes

The government is providing £76m over the next three years to create thousands of extra homes to support elderly people and those with disabilities and mental health issues.

The supported or specialised housing, which is designed to be accessible and aid independent living, will give people the ability to adapt or install equipment or assistive technology in the home; have varying levels of personal and care support, including access to GPs or other health services; and have access to communal areas.

The fund is run in partnership with Homes England for schemes outside London, and the Mayor of London for London-based schemes, who implement the programme. Providers can bid for money through Homes England and the Mayor of London’s office to build these specially designed new homes.

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Minister for Care Caroline Dinenage said: “No one should have to go into a residential home or get stuck in hospital because of a lack of specialised housing adapted to suit their needs. This programme provides a vital life line for some of the most vulnerable people in society to live their own lives in a home that works for them.

“We want the fund to be used to its maximum potential so more homes can be created, more quickly, ensuring that thousands of people are supported to live independently in their own homes, benefitting both them and their carers.”

The Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund (CASSH) was announced in 2012 and has been extended until 2021. After two fixed bidding rounds were rolled out housing providers have applied for funding and already built around 3,300 specially designed new homes.

To streamline the process and enable as many schemes to get off the ground as possible, local authorities and housing developers will now be able to apply on a rolling basis, until all the funding has been allocated for the year.

The housing ensures people with disabilities and older people can live independently for longer in the community.