WYRE Forest District Council is set to fall short of a Government target for helping people who are facing health and safety problems due to poor housing, members have been told.

The Government wants the council to increase the number of what it describes as "decent homes" for vulnerable people to ensure at least 70 per cent of those people are living in such homes by 2010.

Just 62 per cent are expected to be in that sort of accommodation in Wyre Forest by the target date.

Among people who could be at risk are families with children, anyone beyond working age and people suffering long-term illness and disability.

According to a briefing paper submitted at a council panel meeting, action is needed if the target is to be met.

Standards and criteria council officers should apply in providing mandatory disabled facilities grants and a new, discretionary Decent Homes Assistance will be guided by the policy, which also covers enforcement actions.