HOUSING and care will be provided to three men at risk of becoming homeless at a cost of £286,600 a year.

The executive board approved plans to buy a property to meet the 'specific needs' of the men with 24-hour support and care during Tuesday's meeting.

In her report to members, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and wellbeing, said they 'are unable to return to their family homes' and have expressed a choice to live independently.

She added: "There are three young men who currently reside out of borough in specialist college placements which are coming to an end.

"However, there are no supported accommodation placements within the council's existing services that could meet their needs.

"As a result, in order to prevent them becoming homeless, they would need to be placed, depending on availability, either in borough or out of borough specialist residential services.

"However, this type of accommodation does not provide a more normalised living environment and is very expensive."

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill called on members to back the proposal for supported accommodation.

He said: "It is an excellent facility this and is something we should be supporting as much as we can – and it is saving us money in the long run."

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, added: "I think this again proves, even in times of austerity, this council never fails to look after those who need it."

The care and support package will be provided at a cost of £266,229 per year but is expected to rise to £286,629, mainly due to the interest rates for borrowing.

A property has been identified at a price of £300,000, with legal and associated costs expected to total £2,000.