Building projects up and down the country have been given the green light to start producing homes that will support older and disabled people to live independently for as long as possible, Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb has announced.

Last year the government asked local authorities to bid for a share of £300m to boost the supported housing market. The Department of Health has now allocated funding to build more than 3,500 new homes.

As part of the first phase of the Care and Support Specialised Housing scheme, the Department will now issue around £101m of this fund to the Homes and Communities Agency, which will work with 86 successful agencies to build more than 3,000 new homes across the country. In London specifically, the Department will award the Greater London Assembly just over £29m for 35 successful bidders who will be building 669 homes.

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Both projects are estimated to create over 1,000 new jobs. This is in line with the Government’s commitment to strengthen the economy by boosting capital spending. Further funding will be issued to successful bidders in the next bidding phase.

Mr Lamb said: "As we know, most people want to be independent in their own homes and as the population ages, more and more of us will need housing that supports us to do that.

"We have awarded companies funding to build more than 3,500 homes around the country. These will be tailored to people’s needs and will help them to remain active as long as possible without the need of going into a care home.

"Better and more suitable housing will also alleviate pressure on carers and families, as the person being cared for will be able to carry out everyday tasks more easily."

(CD/MH)