Liverpool is set to upgrade three sheltered housing complexes so they provide ‘extra care’ round the clock support to older people.

A report to the Mayor's Cabinet is recommending investing £255,000 on an additional 260 units of Extra Care Housing (ECH) for older people.

It will bring to five the total number of schemes to five, and the plan is to have them spread across the city - two in the north, two in the centre and one in the south.

Residents will have their own tenancies and access to a range of communal facilities such as a restaurant, hairdresser and access to activities.

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They will offer integrated housing, care and support packages with 24 hour assistance for people with a range of needs, offering more independence than being cared for in residential homes.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: "People in our city are living longer which is great news, but it brings with it additional pressures on services because we have a growing older population who need our help and support.

"We need to make sure we are in a position to respond to the challenges that this will bring and I want us to be able to offer good quality and accessible housing where people can live in safety and comfort but retain their independence.

"We are facing some extremely tough choices over the next few years due to cuts in funding from central government and it is vital we create a streamlined care system targeting our resources at the most vulnerable."

Liverpool spends almost £62 million a year on care for older people, with the Extra Care budget making up £2.3 million of the total.

(CD/GK)