Supported Housing Strategy 2026 to 2031 - Background

The Adults Social Care and Housing vision:

People live fulfilled, healthy, independent lives in the place they call home.

Adult Social Care & Housing services support people to remain safe and independent, living within their communities with a sense of belonging. The right home can improve the lives of peoples and their families. Our places have a strong sense of community that enhances the support we offer. We work with a range of partners, seeking a supportive collaborative approach that is focussed on delivering good outcomes for people.

Adult Social Care and Housing is the largest directorate in Cumberland Council, with over 1200 staff. Our facilities cover from Longtown in the north to Millom in the South.

52,329 residents in Cumberland are disabled under the Equality Act, accounting for 19.4% of the population. This is above the national average of 16.9%.

79.4% of all people aged 65 and over live in owner occupied properties, 14.2% live in social rented accommodation and 6.4% live in private rented.

There are currently 66,473 residents over the age of 65 in Cumberland. By 2044, this is estimated to increase by 27% to 84,471 residents.

As of 2024 to 2025, it is estimated that c.750 people aged 18 years and above with learning disabilities and/or autistic people living in Cumberland, were eligible for adult social care support from Cumberland Council.

NHS MHSDS data indicates that the majority of people with mental health needs are living in mainstream housing (82%). There are currently c.6,560 people with a mental health need in Cumberland and this is expected to increase by c.20% by 2039 to c.7,865 people.

Cumberland’s HIA service issued a total of 1007 Disabled Facility Grants in 2025 to 2026.

Over half of the total housing stock in cumberland was built before 1939.