HOUSING bosses have netted more than £2 million to plough into schemes that will allow older people in Halesowen and Cradley to live at home for longer.

Dudley Council received the windfall from the Disabled Facilities Grant , which was the fifth highest payout for all 36 metropolitan boroughs - only Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds secured more funding.

Dudley Home Improvement Service will use the money to provide facilities in people’s homes across the borough that will let them remain as independent as possible, such as stair lifts, level access showers, ramps and wider doorways.

Councillor Steve Waltho, cabinet member for housing, said: “Many older people want to live independently in their own home for as long as possible and therefore the suitability, condition and adaptation of the home is really important.

“Often people are on low incomes and it is vital we play a big part in supporting them by adapting their homes to meet their needs.

“I’m delighted that we have received the money, but not only that, we have received one of the highest grants in the country.”