The report recommends developing 22 supported-living homes on council-owned land at Imperial Road, and if approved by Cabinet will enable to council to begin the process of selecting a registered housing provider to build and manage the scheme.
The project supports the council’s commitment to helping residents live healthy, independent lives in their own communities. It also forms part of the wider strategy to deliver high-quality adult social care and reduce long-term costs by providing more local housing options for people who need lifelong support.
Cllr Catherine del Campo, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing Services said: “This is about supporting our residents with learning disabilities the ability to live more independently, closer to their families and support networks.
“It also better enables us to meet care needs locally while reduce our reliance on expensive placements inside and outside the borough.”
Funding has already been approved to begin market testing and finding a suitable housing partner. An additional £20,000 is now being sought from flexible use of capital funds to support the next stage of the project.