Disabled man using bathroom in accessible home

More specialist supported housing for disabled people is to be provided in Greater Manchester following the creation of two multi-million-pound funds.

Greater Manchester leaders agreed on the 29th May to invest £10 million from the Greater Manchester Housing Investment Loans Fund into two new funds to support housing for people with disabilities and those in priority need.

According to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the £10 million will be at least doubled through the contribution of other investors to provide at least £20 million and the funds will be managed by social impact investment company Resonance.

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The investment is expected to enable the provision of up to 100 homes over the coming two years, with the aim to increase this number with further investments in the future.

The first fund will be used to buy, refurbish and modify homes for people living with a range of disabilities, including people with learning disabilities, physical impairments and sensory impairments.

Modifications could include wheelchair access, specialised bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens, and space for carers and assistants.

These properties will then be leased to charity partners, says the GMCA.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “People with learning disabilities such as autism and other disabilities often have a really tough time, living in accommodation that is not suitable for or tailored to their needs.

“We want Greater Manchester to be a place where everyone is supported to achieve their full potential. Investment like this will help provide the homes and support that people with learning disabilities deserve and that will help them to live happy and fulfilled lives.”

The second fund will be used to buy, refurbish and adapt homes for people who are in priority need of social housing. More than 26,000 people in Greater Manchester are estimated to fall into this category.

The homes will be let through specialist housing providers, such as housing associations or supported housing providers who will have to work within the rules of Greater Manchester’s Ethical Lettings Agency framework.

“It is more important than ever now that we deliver on the ambitions articulated in Greater Manchester’s Housing Strategy because of the impact COVID-19 on the economy and the way people are affected by their housing situation,” commented Paul Dennett, GMCA Lead on Housing and Homelessness.

“We must take this opportunity to make available the right type of housing. That means more affordable homes, more homes adapted for people’s health needs and more energy-efficient housing – as we continue to build a better and fairer city-region.”

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Disabled-man-using-bathroom-in-accessible-home.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Disabled-man-using-bathroom-in-accessible-home-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettHousingInvestments & FundingNewsroomSector Newsbedrooms and kitchens,disabled people,funds,Greater Manchester,Greater Manchester Combined Authority,Greater Manchester Housing Investment Loans Fund,home adaptations,investment,modifications,Resonance,specialised bathrooms,specialist support housing,wheelchair accessMore specialist supported housing for disabled people is to be provided in Greater Manchester following the creation of two multi-million-pound funds. Greater Manchester leaders agreed on the 29th May to invest £10 million from the Greater Manchester Housing Investment Loans Fund into two new funds to support housing for people...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals