Derbyshire Council set to invest in care development

VULNERABLE and older people in Swadlincote are to be given more than £40,000 of support to help with their wellbeing.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet has approved funding for housingrelated support in the Oakland Village Swadlincote extra care development and to invite tenders for the scheme.

Bob Wheeler, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said he was delighted with the news that the county authority had chosen to invest given the current economic climate.

The county council is now inviting tenders and the contract at present will have an indicative annual value of £42,350.

The final value of the contract will be confirmed in a cabinet report due to be published next month.

Housing related support is a nonstatutory support activity provided in Derbyshire to vulnerable groups, including older people, funded through the county council’s social services.

The support helps people maintain their tenancy and covers (but is not limited to) support with benefits maximisation, help with arranging housing repairs and maintenance, advice on wellbeing issues, budgeting, signposting onto other service and information and advice about other services available in their area.

The housing-related support would extend for up to 88 extra care apartments which will be available to rent, buy and part-own at the Oakland Village scheme for up to four years.

Councillor Wheeler said: “I will wait to see the details but I think it is very good news, especially in the current climate where money is tight.

“I am delighted that Derbyshire County Council has agreed to invest in South Derbyshire.

“I am due to visit and have a look round Oaklands in the next few weeks to see how it is progressing and I believe it is on schedule to open soon.”

The new care village, in Hall Farm Road, replaced the outdated facilities of Granville Court, Willoughby House and the former Oaklands care home.

Trident Housing Association has invested £12 million to build new elderly people’s accommodation, while the Housing Corporation gave £2 million.

The county council has also invested a further £7 million into the residential and community care centre which will feature a bar and restaurant, meeting hall, lounge, shop, library, IT suite, gym and a jacuzzi.