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Government promised extra £76 million annually towards specialist housing for vulnerable people (17 September 2018)

Date: 17/09/2018
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Government promised extra £76 million annually towards specialist housing for vulnerable people

In a bid to offer greater housing solutions for those with mental health problems, disabilities and the elderly, the Government has promised to put an extra £76 million a year towards building homes that support vulnerable people’s needs.

Specialist accommodation is difficult to source in the current housing climate, which has prompted the Government to put more funds towards building solutions that enables independent living. Introduced in 2012, Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund (CASSH) has been extended to go on for 3 more years until 2021. It runs alongside Mayor of London and Homes Schemes, inside and outside of London respectively.

The housing is intended to include certain facilities that will further aid accessible living, such as on-hand personal support and communal areas. The homes will be fitted with doors which are independent of neighbouring residents and have a malleable design to enable adaptation for individual specialist needs.

Local housing authorities and developers will be able to bid for funding from this scheme each year, which will be allocated until the entire sum runs out.

So far, CASSH has managed to fund over 3,000 new builds intended to accommodate society’s most vulnerable groups.

There has been success with developments such as those which have been rolled out to build homes for individuals with high level autism. The design of the bungalows has done away with sharp edges and a Bicester model integrates the bedroom so that it sits just below ground level to reduce noise pollution.

There continues to be a need for housing across the UK, with those with special requirements having to cope with homes that do not support their needs. Too often, the solution is to place elderly residents with support needs in care homes, rather than offer adaptations or alternative housing that meets that support. Though this pledge promises more housing opportunities, in the meantime there are many out there who are struggling with what there is on offer.

It is hoped that this extra funding catering for vulnerable groups will negate the need for hospitals to accommodate patients with long term needs, since the homes will be designed to provide on-hand personal care, with GPs close by. Too often, independent living is not an option for those with these living requirements, which puts an extra strain on the NHS and other social services.

Housing community care legal professionals are often sought out by those who require accommodation or home adaptations to meet their specific requirements. It is hoped that this pledge will move towards securing independent living for longer for these individuals across the country.

Doubtless, there will remain some areas that are unsuccessful in their bid for funds towards local housing projects whilst the scheme remains active until 2021. Nonetheless, it remains imperative that no one misses out on having their living needs supported by their local authorities. Those eligible for publicly funded home adaptations can seek the help of a community care specialist who will be able guide them through the process to access that service.

Duncan Lewis is amongst a handful of firms who have been awarded a Legal Aid Agency franchise for community care work, meaning that our assistance can be accessed for free for those eligible.

Duncan Lewis Community Care – Housing

Our Community Care department offers assistance to help individuals access the care they require in their own homes, through institutional accommodation or from health and housing services.

The team has a wide range of experience assisting:

  • Asylum Seekers

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As well as those facing:

  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Problems

  • Brain Injuries

  • Chronic Health Problems (people of any age)

  • Disabilities

  • Mental Health Problems

For all community care related matters, do not hesitate to contact our specialist team on 033 3772 0409.

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