GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR APARTMENTS FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED WELCOMED

 Kent Labour welcomes the announcement of a £72 million scheme to build new apartments for the elderly and disabled in Dover and Canterbury. The full building costs will be met by PFI credits from central Government and the apartments will be ready for use in 2010.

 Mike Eddy, Labour Shadow Leader of Kent County Council, says: "Thanks to investment by the Government, Kent is able to build a total of 340 apartments across Kent for elderly people and people with learning disabilities. This is a substantial contribution to the social care infrastructure

in Kent and will allow a large number of people to live more fulfilling, independent lives. It contrasts starkly with the recent decision by Kent County Council to increase home care charges to these groups of people and to cut wardens in sheltered accommodation."

 The Government funded PFI deal brings together ten district councils, Kent County Council and Housing 21, a major provider of social housing.