Independent living fund for people with learning disabilities

The Department of Health (DoH) has invited councils to apply for a share of a £25 million housing and technology fund aimed at helping people with learning disabilities to live independently.

The money will be used to create a range of housing and technology options for people with learning disabilities, ranging from floor sensors to monitor for falls, or finger-print systems to ensure easy access for residents.

The funding aims to: use new technologies to improve and adapt existing accommodation, enabling people to remain living independently; prevent unnecessary in-patient admissions; provide solutions for people who require urgent housing and are at risk of entering inappropriate services like hospital or residential care; encourage community-based solutions that promote independence and choice over housing; and save money and resources – specially adapted housing reduces the need for costly hands-on care.

David Mowat, minister for Community Health and Care, said: “The government is determined to improve the life chances of people with learning disabilities, and to make sure they never feel excluded from society. We want to harness all the benefits of technology to help achieve this.

“I hope this investment of £25 million will inspire many exciting and innovative projects which will make a hugely positive difference to people’s lives.

“Only 15 per cent of adults with learning disabilities have a secure long-term tenancy or their own home. The fund will enable more people to live as independently as possible with the best care and support, greatly improving their quality of life.”

Alicia Wood, chief executive of Learning Disability England, said: “Learning Disability England welcomes this £25 million fund to help create housing solutions for people with learning disabilities.

“We know that a lack of housing choices for people with learning disabilities is only partly down to the need for capital, and what stops people and their families getting the solutions they want is a lack of creative thinking.

“We are particularly pleased that the fund is being used to promote person-centred solutions and create new models of housing and support that give people with learning disabilities a real stake in their communities.”