Harrow Council's Cabinet has approved plans for a new supported living scheme for young adults aged 18 to 25 with learning disabilities, autism, and complex behavioural needs. The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, marks a significant shift from initial proposals for children's residential care to specialist accommodation tailored for young adults.
The move is anticipated to reduce the council's reliance on costly external placements, thereby improving outcomes for residents and generating financial savings. Authority has been delegated to the Strategic Directors of Adults and Public Health and Housing and Regeneration to proceed with the property acquisition and refurbishment procurement. The meeting agenda and public reports pack can be found here.
This initiative addresses a clear demand for specialist accommodation within Harrow, aiming to provide a locally-based transition pathway that allows young adults to remain within the borough. This is seen as crucial for maintaining family and social connections, which can be challenging when residents are placed out of borough.
The scheme is projected to house seven residents in total, with six requiring intensive support and one needing periodic assistance. The property identified for the scheme was previously used as an adult care setting and already has relevant adaptations, making it suitable for the intended purpose.
