LANCASHIRE County Council is to review its provision of supported housing for those with disabilities and special needs.

Some of the 700 properties currently providing specialist care for tenants are set to close.

Currently 160 supporting schemes have 225 vacancies between them.

Now the county council - which works with specialist housing providers across 12 boroughs including Hyndburn, Burnley, Ribble Valley, Pendle and Rossendale - has launched a consultation on the possible changes.

Most people who live in supported housing share the property and communal facilities, often with 24-hour support from care workers.

Cllr Graham Gooch, the county council’s adult services boss, said: “Vacancies in supported housing are a major issue in Lancashire.

“We work very closely with housing providers to ensure vacancies are filled as quickly as possible once they arise and this good work will continue," Cllr Gooch added.

“However, there are some schemes with long-term vacancies with little or no hope that they will be filled."

The online consultation on the Lancashire County Council website lasts until March 25.