The government has announced it will create thousands of extra homes for people with disabilities, mental health issues and older people who need extra support.
It said an extra £228m will be allocated for the next three years for the Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund, launched in 2012
It provides supported or specialised housing designed to be accessible and aid independent living.
Providers will be able to bid for grants through Homes England and the Mayor of London’s office to build the new homes.
After two fixed bidding rounds were rolled out, housing providers have applied for funding and already built around 3,300 specially designed new homes.
Minister for care Caroline Dinenage said: '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.'
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'This announcement will help address the growing number of people living longer with increasingly complex needs who want to live independent lives in their own homes and communities, rather than being stuck in a hospital bed or unsuitable accommodation.
'Councils need urgent funding to invest in effective prevention work to support independent living and reduce the need for people to be admitted to hospital in the first place. This is why the LGA has launched its own adult social care green paper to kick-start a desperately-needed debate following the delay of the Government’s green paper.'
