A NEW programme designed to keep older people at home longer could save £35million.

Essex County Council has announced its Older People Programme, at a cost of almost half a million pounds.

The main principle is to keep people at home, rather than in care or residential homes for longer, reducing demand on the services and allowing people to remain in familiar surroundings.

It is hoped it can be achieved by providing more facilities and services for those still in their own homes to delay the move into full time care.