LAs Win Extra Care Boost

Twenty five extra care housing schemes got the green light this month (July) with ministers confirming the successful applicants for support from their £80 million fund.

Some 60 councils applied for support from the latest round of bidding for cash from the latest round of theExtra Care Housing Fund, covering 2008-2010.

Health and Care Minister Ivan Lewis was joined by Sir Michael Parkinson to make the announcement and hand over a cheque to Barnsley MBC for a scheme it is overseeing.

Experts from CSIP's Housing Learning and Improvement Network initially assessed the recommendations. The network is organising separate events for both successful and unsuccessful bidders.

The £80 million available in this bidding round brings to £227 million the Department of Health's contribution to extra care housing since 2004.