Council proposes £4.2m investment to support Independent Living in Harleston

More older people in Norfolk will benefit from new specialist housing as part of £4.2m of proposed investment by Norfolk County Council.

The council's Cabinet will meet on Monday, 6 March when it will consider investing in the new Independent Living flats in Harleston.

Partnering with Saffron Housing Trust, the scheme would mean the creation of 91 new flats, with a mix of 16 two bed and 75 one bed flats.

The aim of the development is to provide older people with affordable housing options which provide peace of mind with care and support available on site, allowing people to continue living independently in their local communities.

Norfolk County Council is investing £29m in Independent Living schemes across the county, with similar developments already open in Fakenham and Acle. A third scheme in Stalham has already had Cabinet approval.

Cllr Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Norfolk County Council, said: "We want to help people to live independently in their own communities for as long as possible. That's why we're investing in Independent Living schemes like these, which give people the confidence of knowing that care is on hand, with the independence of continuing to live in their own homes.

"This kind of housing can help keep people the support they need to stay healthier for longer, preventing them from needing to move into a care home, and reducing stays in hospitals."
Independent Living supports people aged over 55, with care provided on site. Properties can be owned or rented and the properties are available to those who pay for their own care and those who are funded by the council.

James Francis, Chief Executive Officer at Saffron, said: "We are really pleased with how positively our other Independent Community Living schemes have been received by the tenants who are now living there and by the wider community.

"These homes are fundamental in helping to reduce social isolation and give residents a real sense of community. We are providing not only much needed housing, but a place for tenants to live safely, with care if they need it, whilst retaining their independence."

Mary and John Bartlett are tenants at Swallowtail Place, a Saffron Independent Community Living scheme in Acle which received funding from Homes England and Norfolk County Council. They said: "It's a beautiful place to live. You've got peace of mind here, but you've got all the independence you need. You can come and go as you like but you know if you need it, there's somebody there."

Independent Living provides a housing option for older people which is less expensive than residential care and is an effective way of supporting people to remain independent in their communities. Increasing provision of independent Living to match future demand will also deliver about £6m in savings to the council each year.