Moving home

Sheltered housing

Sheltered housing is a grouped development of purpose built accommodation specially designed for older people. It is available for the over 60s who need support to remain independent but have assistance if and when they need it. There is an alarm system to alert staff in an emergency and regular visits are made to ensure residents are all well. 

Residents are provided with their own unfurnished flat. Some flats are linked by heated corridors to shared facilities such as a common room, laundry or guest room.

There are 34 schemes of this type in the borough, which vary in size from 17 to 62 flats. The average number is between 30 and 35.

Living in Sheltered Housing you will have the same conditions of tenancy as all our council tenants except regarding the right to buy.

Read more about sheltered housing

Sheltered housing service standards

The sheltered housing local standards (which you can request from your housing officer) tell you about the level of service you can expect to receive if you live in sheltered housing. They have been drawn up with the help of sheltered housing residents. We will closely monitor how well we perform and will report back to residents. 

How do I apply for sheltered housing?

You need to be over 60 years old. However, exception may be made for those over 50 with disabilities. If you are a council tenant, you can get an application from your local reception office. Before a decision is made about providing sheltered housing, information from doctors, social workers, voluntary agencies, occupational therapists or anyone who provides a service to the applicant will be considered.