Suffolk County Council is working with housing associations to build the Very Sheltered Housing (VSH) flats in Ixworth, Haughley and Exning.

It has received funding from the Housing Corporation.

All VSH Schemes provide accommodation and 24-hour care and support, to enable elderly residents to remain in their own homes.

Bryony Rudkin, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "This is really great news for older people in Suffolk. Everyone I've met living in Very Sheltered flats says they are just what they wanted: Independence and privacy, but with help and care on site.

Three new schemes

"Now we can really move ahead in developing these services that we have pioneered nationally. Very well done to all the hardworking staff and partners involved."

There are three new schemes that will be developed in the next 18 months to two years.

In Ixworth, there is funding from the Housing Corporation and Havebury Housing Association for a scheme in Ixworth.

It will include provision of 32 self-contained flats for frail older people, including an extra care services for older people with mental health problems.

Support needs

The Housing Corporation, Suffolk County Council and Mid Suffolk District Council are also funding a scheme in Haughley.

This is for the development of a leasehold scheme that will enable older people to have an equity share in the value of their flat. This scheme will have 29 flats.

The Housing Corporation and the Gibson Trust are also funding a housing programme in Exning.