Home adaptation fund to cut hospital readmissions

Sunderland City Council's cabinet agreed the scheme earlier

Senior councillors have backed a scheme which aims to support people with learning difficulties or autism when they are discharged from long-term stays in hospital.

Sunderland City Council's Labour cabinet agreed to introduce grants to fund property adaptations to help people settle back into the community.

The grants will be awarded to registered housing providers in Sunderland and can range from small items such as changing door locks to bathroom refurbishment works.

The cabinet said the initiative would help prevent "inappropriate" hospital admissions.

Deputy leader Kelly Chequer said by awarding the funding "the council can ensure that people with a learning disability or autism can move to accommodation within the community that meets their assessed needs".

Local Democracy Reporting Service, a funding pot of around £724,000 was allocated for the scheme.

The cabinet report noted the grants would be subject to "funding agreements" to ensure the money is spent correctly.