09/01/06 - Growing number of older people are now living independently.

The figures, published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, show that the past three years have seen a steady increase in the proportion of older people receiving intensive help to remain at home rather than in residential care, with nearly one third (32%) now in this group, partly thanks to a rise in the number of people receiving intensive home care which is enabling them to stay independent.

The figures also show that all councils in inner London and 90% of councils in outer London are already meeting the 2007/08 target rate set out in the Department of Health's Public Service Agreement , which states that by 2008, the proportion of older people being supported intensively to live at home should be at least 34 per cent of the total of those being supported at home or in residential care. Currently, across England, 65 local authorities (43%) are meeting this March 2008 target - a rise of 13 (9%) on the previous year.

The figures are published as the Government confirms how much money councils are to receive over the next two years as part of the Preventative Technologies Grant, enabling social services authorities to firm up their plans for effectively supporting even more people in their own homes by using innovative technology, known as Telecare.

The amounts form a share of the £80 million announced last year and the confirmation of the amounts amounts will enable social services authorities to take forward their plans for the two financial years 2006/07 and 2007/08.

Source : DOH