A REVIEW is underway to see whether elderly people at a pioneering supported housing scheme in Rossendale should pay for care assistance.

An ‘extra care’ facility was established at the former Brookville residential home, to give some of the Valley’s senior citizens more independence in their retirement.

But around £90,000 per year is still needed to provide a background support service, in the event of emergencies.

This led to support being given on nearly 350 occasions over the last 12 months, county councillors have been told.

Tenants’ payments, of £37,875, and cash from the Supporting People budget of £26,000 supported such work, still leaving a £26,000 shortfall.

County councillor Mike Calvert, executive member for adult and community services, has approved a one-off cash injection for the initiative, to cover that amount.

However it is hoped that the extra care home, in Rawstron Street, Whitworth, can become self-supporting by March 2012, leaving social service bosses with a tough choice ahead.