A scheme that could help older people to avoid moving into care homes has been given a significant funding boost.

Enfield Council wants to build 91 homes at Reardon Court, Winchmore Hill, that would be specially adapted to allow older people to continue living independently.

It has now won £9.5 million from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to develop the site – a big hike on the amount it was previously due to receive.

The homes at Rearden Court – dubbed ‘extra care’ housing – would be purpose-built for older people and adults with disabilities, making use of the latest technology.

They would be designed to allow people to keep their links to the local community and live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Care workers would be available on site around the clock in case any of the residents needed help.

As well as helping older people, the scheme is expected to save the council around £740,000 per year on care placements.

The GLA increased the funding for each unit from £60,000 to more than £100,000 following talks with council officers.

Bindi Nagra, the council’s director of health and adult social care, told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (July 17): “We have a constant stream of people who need more than they can get in their own homes.

“This is a half-way house where they can keep their own kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms but know there is 24-hour care on site.”

Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan described the funding boost as “a vote of confidence in the administration”.

She added: “This is investing so we have a more sustainable model of provision and about residents living independently as long as possible”.

The housing scheme needs to be approved by a planning committee before construction work can begin.

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