Peoples Republic of South Devon

Funding affordability

May 1st, 2008

posted by Cptn

Another of the affordable housing stories which crossed our desks has so many useful facts and figures that you can get to grips with it yourself below.

The upshot of it is: “Millions of pounds raised through council tax on second homes is funding affordable housing, providing homes for older people and people with complex care needs across the county.

“In a latest instalment to help deliver affordable housing Devon County Council is transferring £600,000 over to District and City Councils.”

Heck, at least we tell you when we quote the press release.

“Council will receive £32,015; and West Devon Borough Council will receive £199,000. See Note to Editors for details

The County Council does not have the same responsibility to provide housing in Devon as that of District and City Councils, but sees it as a local priority because of its obvious and direct link with people’s health and wellbeing.

Devon County was one of the first local authorities in the country to allocate revenue from council tax on second homes to affordable housing schemes.

Since 2004, just over £13.8 millions has been allocated by the Council to affordable housing schemes.

£6.3 million of that has been allocated to housing schemes promoted by District and City Councils.

£7.5 million has been allocated, through the County Council’s Adult and Community Services, to affordable housing schemes for vulnerable people with complex care needs.  And a further £2.5 million has been allocated to housing schemes this financial year.

£1.2 million invested by the Council is already bringing real benefits to people and local communities, having:

·       Jointly funded a 55 bed extra care housing scheme in Okehampton, due for completion in 2010
·       Funded 5 new affordable homes for people with mental health problems in Ivybridge
·       Funded the purchase of a house for three people with learning difficulties in Totnes
·       Contributed towards a shared ownership home for a person with learning difficulties in Totnes
·       Funded improvement works in three sheltered housing schemes in Kingsbridge, Barnstaple and Honiton, meaning that 126 older people can now easily access their homes through the installation of lifts and ramps, meaning that they can remain living at home for longer

·       Funded telecare assistive technology in a 60 bed sheltered housing scheme in Exeter

A further £180,000 has funded additional affordable housing for young people in Cullompton, Dartmouth and Bideford, with more planned for Exeter.

According to a Devon-wide review into housing for older people and housing related support services, which has just concluded, 1,405 extra care housing units are needed across the county.

These are specially designed homes for people with health or social care needs, with the key feature that care is available onsite for as much or as little as is needed.  The homes are designed in such ways to accommodate people’s care need, for example doorways are wheelchair accessible, kitchen work tops are height adjustable, bathroom suites are designed for people with mobility difficulties.

The County Council is currently negotiating the possible transfer of its 26 residential homes for older people to Shaw Healthcare who would then invest £100 million to develop social care in Devon.  Part of their proposed redevelopment programme is 370 extra care flats in Exmouth, Totnes, South Molton, Tiverton, Ilfracombe Newton Abbot, and Exeter.

The Council will invest 15 million to make sure that 235 of the extra care flats will be at an affordable rent.

The potential has also been identified to redevelop some sheltered housing schemes which would provide a further 171 extra care flats.  And there are proposals to secure land in the new communities of Cranbrook and Sherford for a further 150 extra care flats.

Together that would create 731 extra care homes by 2020.

Councillor Brian Greenslade, the Leader of Devon County Council, said:

“Adequate and affordable housing is essential, be it for first time buyers or people as they grow older and need care.

“A good range of housing is essential for our local economy, our quality of life, our communities, as well as for the health and wellbeing of people living here.

“The County Council, although not a housing authority, is pleased to support our District and City Council colleagues to address Devon’s shortage of affordable homes.

“And although we are working hard to help develop more specialist extra care housing, the county needs more to meet the care needs of our growing older population.

“We are committed to continuing our work in partnership with local authorities and other housing stakeholders.”

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