Simon Garner, Health and Care Commissioning Lead, introduced the report of the Director of Care and Health which outlined the funding requirements for the development of an Extra Care Housing scheme on Moreton Road, Upton.

It was reported that there were a number of these schemes across the borough, that provided 24 hour on-site care whilst also supporting independent living, which in turn reduced the need for residential and nursing care.

The previous Wirral Plan set out a target of developing 300 additional units by 2020, but national policy had resulted in delays to this. 101 additional units had been achieved, and the proposed development before the Committee alongside a further development in Rock Ferry would help to fulfil that target.

The Committee noted the considerable time required to identify and develop sites for developments such as this, and it was suggested that more regular consultation exercises could take place to identify need and to ensure that need could always be met.

Resolved – That

1)  payment of a grant of up to £3,685,400 to Housing 21 (H21) from the Council Extra Care Capital Programme to enable the delivery of 80 Extra Care Housing units by Housing 21 be approved.

2)  it be noted that the council holds nomination rights and that appropriate legal agreements will be put in place to ensure that the Council’s financial contribution and nomination rights are protected.