Surrey County Council is investing £10m to help people stay longer in their own homes and communities.

The money will be used to work with Surrey’s districts and boroughs on projects to give the elderly, disabled and those with mental health problems more choice and independence.

Surrey’s leader Councillor David Hodge announced the £2m-a-year investment and said the money could be used for a variety of initiatives such as providing telecare round the clock to keep people safe at home and facilities at leisure centres for disabled people.

He said: “This substantial investment will provide real benefits to our most vulnerable residents, and will enable many more people to live with greater independence and with dignity.

“By working as a team and setting aside boundaries that cross the public sector we will achieve the best outcomes.”