People are due to live longer in their own homes after the council have proposed plans for the expansion of care and housing services across North Yorkshire.

The county currently has an Extra Care programme which provides support for people with care and housing needs.

It offers purpose-built housing and on-site care workers available around the clock, however an increase in diverse range of needs has led to this new 10 year programme which would see extra facilities built alongside similar services for younger adults.

The executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “We have been at the forefront nationally for providing support through our Extra Care programme, which has helped more than 6,000 people during the past 20 years to continue to live independently. 

“But we recognise that our approach needs to evolve and demands for adult social care are changing.

“We are presented with some very real challenges given the area that we cover and also that we have an ageing population in North Yorkshire.”

There are currently more than 500 people on waiting lists after expressing an interest to live in an Extra Care scheme in the county, with highest levels being in Scarborough and Harrogate.

Whilst previously the programme has been focused on older people, the new proposals will meet the needs of the working age population who require specialist support to live independently.

The proposed new model offers flexible types of accommodation including Extra Care Plus schemes to support people with higher levels of need.

The council aim to create Extra Care Mini facilities to meet demand in more rural locations and larger village models that include community and council services.

Mr Harrison said: “The proposed new plan will help us keep pace with the increasing demands, allowing us to tailor the support we can provide to our communities in the county.

“This includes the growing number of younger adults with disabilities and mental health issues, who need more support to live in their own home.”

“We will consider the plans carefully when the executive meets next week to ensure that we can target our resources as effectively as possible, and that we can offer the very best support while providing the best value for our taxpayers.” 

A typical Extra Care Scheme costs around £20 million, with funding that comes from the operator of the scheme, a grant from Homes England and contribution from the council themselves.

Each scheme would need full planning approval and would provide dedicated accommodation to local communities through focusing on those in the greatest need.

The plans will be considered at a council meeting on Tuesday 21 October.