New future for sheltered housing

Date published: 08 February 2011

Proposals to improve sheltered housing in Bury have been drawn up following extensive consultation with residents and families.

The review was prompted by figures which showed that some schemes were proving unpopular with prospective tenants and were hard to let.

Nearly one third of the current stock is bedsit accommodation, while others have shared bathroom facilities. Other units need to be brought up to modern accessibility standards and enable people with more complex needs to be supported at home.

Under the latest plans, which will be presented to the council’s internal scrutiny committee on 17 February, it is being recommended that the council:

• Only closes one scheme – Elton Square House, with the land to be designated for affordable housing
• Retains the other sites for older people’s housing but looks to replace/rebuild all council-run schemes containing bed-sit/shared facilities by 2025
• Invests in improvements at other sheltered sites

If the proposals are agreed, discussions will commence with housing associations and Six Town Housing about the replacement of existing schemes starting with St Mary’s Court, Prestwich and Wesley House, Tottington.

Councillor Michael Hankey, cabinet member for health and well-being, said: “I want this borough to be proud of the housing it provides for older people and we need to face up to the fact that some of our stock does not meet modern requirements.

“The passion that people have about this subject is clear to see and I have listened to the concerns that were raised. Accordingly, revised proposals, shaped through consultation, have been drafted which balance the current and future housing needs of older people. Focusing largely on scheme replacement rather than closure, these plans protect local communities while offering the exciting prospect of new and improved accommodation for the more vulnerable people in our borough. My only disappointment is the timescale. I would have liked to see the improvements made sooner but the economic situation limits our ambition and we need to be realistic.”

Pat Jones-Greenhalgh, executive director of adult social care, added: “Sheltered housing helps many older people to live independently in the community and plans to improve this sector are timely given the expected growth in the elderly population over the next 15 years.

“I appreciate that any changes can cause concern; however, we will work with tenants and families to minimise disruption. Our staff are experienced at supporting people in such circumstances and we will ensure that residents find alternative accommodation in their location of choice, help them with their move and give them preference should they choose to move back to the new scheme when it is completed.”