Councils to gain share of £40m fund

Social services departments in England can bid for a share of a £40m pot to develop extra care housing schemes in 2007-8.

The Department of Health said last week it would consider bids from authorities that had not already received an extra care housing grant.

Bids will have to satisfy four criteria: impact on improving the health of older people, effective partnerships, value for money, and fit with national policy and regional and local strategies.

Bids for standard extra care housing that does not include a significant health element will not be considered. The DH must receive bids by 3 October.