31/08/2004

Vulnerable people living at home get funding boost

Vulnerable people seeking to live independent lives have been boosted by the news that the government has announced a funding package of £5 billion over the next three years.

The three-year settlement will provide crucial housing-related support to vulnerable people, including home visits, alarm systems and advice on accessing benefit entitlements.

The funding settlement, part of the Spending Review 2004, will provide £1.72 billion in 2005/06, followed by around £1.7 billion in both 2006/07 and 2007/08 for the Supporting People programme.

Minister for Supporting People Jeff Rooker said: "The government is committed to ensuring high quality, good value housing related support for those who are old, disabled, at risk or vulnerable in other ways.

"This settlement will enable many people to live independently - in their own home. It will enable people to make their own decisions about their own lives and their own futures.

"It prevents older people from going into hospital or residential care. It can give victims of domestic violence a new start. Supporting People also helps people to maintain independent tenancies, and makes an important contribution to both reducing and preventing homelessness."

Since its introduction in April 2003, Supporting People has grown so that it now provides vital housing-related support to over 1.2 million people, including the elderly, people with learning difficulties and those fleeing from domestic violence.

(gmcg)

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