North Yorkshire Council to consider 10-year care programme

The proposals aim to help more people live independently for longer with tailored support in their own homes.

The Extra Care programme already provides more than 1,500 apartments across the county with on-site care workers available around the clock.

Councillor Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services at North Yorkshire Council, 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 and 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.

"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."

The council’s executive will consider the new 10-year plan at a meeting on Tuesday, October 21.

Extra Care schemes offer purpose-built housing with on-site care workers available around the clock, and some developments also host facilities such as a library, a shop or a café.

Most schemes currently serve older people, but the new plan proposes expanding the model to support younger adults with care needs, including those with disabilities and mental health conditions.

The programme would also introduce more flexible housing types to address a wider range of needs and locations.

More than 500 people are currently on waiting lists for Extra Care housing in North Yorkshire, with the highest demand in Scarborough and Harrogate.

There is also significant need in rural areas including Wensleydale and Swaledale.

Each Extra Care scheme typically consists of a 60-bed development with one or two-bedroom apartments.

The schemes cost around £20 million to develop and are funded by a mix of council contributions, Homes England grants, and investment from scheme operators.

In exchange for its financial support, the council can nominate people for housing in each scheme, prioritising those with the greatest need.

A recent consultation gathered feedback from residents, health partners including the NHS, and council officers.

The new model focuses on three key principles: independent living with a private front door, access to care when needed, and a high-quality living environment.

The 10-year plan also proposes the development of 'Extra Care Plus' schemes for people with higher support needs, as well as smaller 'Extra Care Mini' schemes for rural communities.

Village-style developments are also under consideration, offering large sites spanning more than five acres that would include support, community and council services.

The programme would extend support to people with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs through supported housing and care services.

This could include care provision in individual homes or small apartment blocks.

Each proposed scheme would require a separate tendering process and approval from councillors.

Full planning permission would also be needed before construction begins.

Councillor Harrison said the proposals would help the council direct resources where they are most needed.

He said: "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."