DECIDING the future of a York sheltered housing complex will be one of the first tasks of the city's new council leaders.

Proposals to alter Clarendon Court, in Rose Street, to try to cut bed blocking at York Hospital, will be looked at on June 3, as part of a raft of plans for improvement and investment in older people's care services by City of York Council.

A report, looking at how the needs of older people in York can be met in the future, will be presented to the council's new executive, and will confirm the need to implement major changes.

The report has highlighted the need to provide:

- A new intermediate care service in York

- Increased provision for people with mental health needs

- Increased amounts of "extra care housing".

Also up for discussion will be changes to existing sheltered housing at Clarendon Court, Marjorie Waite Court and Gale Farm Court and at Morrell House.

It is recommended that the complexes be used to increase the number of intermediate care beds - reducing incidences of bed blocking at the hospital.

The intermediate care facilities will provide up to six weeks of ongoing care when people are well enough to leave hospital, but not well enough to go home.

Updated: 12:17 Saturday, May 24, 2003