Independent Living
Councils are focusing on strategies and funding to support residents' independent living, with Islington reviewing care home admissions and Redbridge developing a new housing strategy.
Islington Council is investigating an increase in care home admissions for 2025/26, which exceeded its target, to understand if individuals could have remained independent at home with different support. Meanwhile, Redbridge Council is developing a new Supported Housing Strategy, required by March 2027, to ensure high-quality homes and personalised support for residents, including working-age disabled adults and older people, enabling them to live independently.
Ealing Council is implementing a Neighbourhood Health Model to tackle health inequalities by providing integrated, preventative care closer to home, supporting residents to live independently. In July 2026, Brent Council's Cabinet approved a £57 million Better Care Fund for 2026-27, aiming to integrate health and social care services, reduce inequalities, and enable residents to live independently for longer through community-based services.
In January 2026, Barnet Council approved plans for a new supported living facility in Edgware. This facility will provide accommodation and low to medium levels of support for up to eight adults with mental health needs, assisting their transition towards independent living.
Key facts
- Islington's adult social care services recorded 197 care home admissions in 2025/26, exceeding the target of 190. Source
- Redbridge Council's new Supported Housing Strategy has a statutory deadline for production of March 31, 2027. Source
- Brent Council's Cabinet approved a £57 million Better Care Fund for the 2026-27 financial year in July 2026. Source
- Barnet Council approved plans for a new supported living facility for up to eight adults in January 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.