A controversial scheme aimed at keeping the elderly living in their homes for longer was officially launched last week.

The Ageing Well initiative, set up by Merton Council and the Merton Voluntary Service Council (MSVC), has seen a restructuring of funding for voluntary groups for the elderly resulting in six groups, who largely provide 'day centre' based activities, stripped of their funding.

Under the scheme only groups deemed to help keep the elderly living in their homes for longer, delaying the need for council funded social care, will receive funding from the council's three year £3m adult social care grant.

It is hoped the changes will save the council £500,000 over three years based on an estimated 182 people being able to stay in their homes for an extra year.

It will see the introduction of new services such as an incontinence service, carer counselling sessions, fitness and fall prevention classes, increased community transport and buddy systems for the disabled.

Councillor Linda Kirby, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: "The population is ageing so it is important for us to recognise what will help people stay people stay independent.

"Working in partnership to achieve better outcomes will hopefully mean more people will be able to live in their own homes for as long as possible."