A new strategy being devised by West Sussex County Council aims to move accommodation provision for the vulnerable, people with disabilities or learning difficulties, and the elderly away from residential care into supported housing.

"We believe this is what customers prefer, and it will also be cheaper for the county council," head of supported housing Patrick Ellis told the adults' services select committee.

For younger people, one project he was looking to develop was an independent living scheme.

"This is where they have a flat, with support to maintain that tenancy," he said.

"If they are a good tenant, they get to keep the flat on a permanent basis."

This was being done in partnership with district and borough councils and registered social landlords.

The extra-care option allowed an older couple to stay together, with their care needs met.

Mr Ellis said the county council was now looking at what sort of housing was needed, how much, and where.

Research of customers' accommodation expectations and needs was being carried out.

This would give a picture of the supported housing needed, going into the future, and then look to deliver this.

One proposal was to identify about five or six partners, to work with the county council on schemes.

Mr Ellis said the majority of older people would like to live in their own homes, and the strategy did not argue against this.

Introducing technology in people's homes would help them to stay safe and remain independent.

"We are also looking at having community-based teams which support and harness the voluntary sector capability," he added.

Some older people needed a place where they could receive extra care and support.

Cllr Robert Dunn said more and more older people were fit and healthy, and did not need extra services.

"If you retire and do something else, you keep fit.

"If you retire and do nothing, you drop off the end," he said.

Encouragement should be given to get people to participate in activities.

"I'm not suggesting every elderly person should apply to be a county councillor – we have enough older people here already," he added.



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