The Equality Act 2010 (the Act) replaces the previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act

2. Review of information, equality analysis and potential actions

Consider the actual or potential impact of your project (service, or policy) against each of the equality characteristics.

Protected characteristic

groups under the Equality Act 2010

What do you know?

Summary of data about your service-users and/or staff

What do people tell you?

Summary of service-user and/or staff feedback

What does this mean?

Impacts identified from data and feedback (actual and potential)

What can you do?

All potential actions to:

· advance equality of opportunity,

· eliminate discrimination, and

· foster good relations

Age

Age 60+

Age 16-59

Proportion of Population by age range (%):

Age range	East Sussex	England
0-19	21%		23%
20-44	25%		33%
45-64	28%		26%
65+	26%		18%

2023/24 Service Data:

The service supported 5,282 unique people aged 16 and over and their households.

2023/24 Service Data – Proportion of people supported by age:

· 60% were age 16-59

· 40% age 60+

2023/24 Service Data –

· 71% of adults were supported to remain in their existing accommodation.

Percentage of adults (all ages) reporting satisfaction with the service:

2023/24
Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4
95%	95%	99%	97%

The age-range of people that engaged in the consultation events included older people, adults of working age, young people and children.

A common theme that emerged across all groups was that people didn’t know where to turn to when they faced an unexpected health issue or what is available to them e.g. Council Tax Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit.

A person explained that they needed help but didn’t know where to go. “I think the fact that we didn’t know the service was there and when I needed them, they came and helped me. The support is still there, and they are amazing, these cuts are tragic, what are we going to do now? What about other people using the service and in the future. I feel very lucky to have been helped.”

“It was overwhelming in a way. It helped me massively. They helped me understand what there is and what is there for us. It made us feel hopeful. It’s not easy. They were there for us.”

“I also didn’t know about the service. I needed to get support and tried to register for housing. I went to Town Hall and went to see CAB but that didn't work as well as I wanted to. Then someone from Heart Response referred me for BHT floating support and they came and helped me.”

92% of all respondents to the consultation survey disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal to reduce funding by 88.5%

This proposal will have a negative impact on people of all ages.

People will be less able to access information and advice on welfare benefit eligibility the impact of this is that it is likely to increase the number of people experiencing financial hardship.

We will engage with our Strategic Partner and key stakeholders to redesign services within the limited financial envelope. It may be possible to identify some mitigations once this work has been undertaken.

60+

According to the 2021 Census, the greatest growth in the East Sussex population occurred in the 70-74 age category, which increased by 46.6% compared to a national average of 36.8%.

2021 Census data identifies that the proportion of the population of East Sussex aged 65 and over now stands at 26.1%, up from 22.7% in 2011.

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people supported aged 60+:

Age group (>60)
Age range	%
60 to 64	16.3%
65 to 69	14.2%
70 to 74	13.3%
75 to 79	19.8%
80 to 84	16.4%
85 to 89	14.0%
90+	6.3%

East Sussex is fifth most deprived of 26 County Councils.13% of people aged 60 plus were living in poverty in 2019 (source Joint Strategic Needs Assessment).

Excess deaths in East Sussex for females, as a proportion of the population is higher than national average

2023/24 Service Data – People supported to claim Attendance Allowance:

· 275 people supported

· 93% of applications were successful

· £903,000 of annualised additional income.

Health and Wellbeing

The Excess Winter Deaths index is a measure that compares the number of deaths that occurred in the winter period (December to March) with the average of the non-winter periods (August to November and April to July).

Excess Winter Deaths:

Source: PHE, Aug 2021 - Jul 2022

East Sussex

England

Female - All ages

10%

8.1%

Male – all ages

7.40%

Health - county | East Sussex | Report Builder for ArcGIS (eastsussexinfigures.org.uk)

Digital Exclusion

According to Age UK, three out of ten people aged 65 to 74 and two- thirds of those aged 75 and over are not online.

There is also a link to social disadvantage. For example, while only 15 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 in socio-economic group AB do not use the internet, this rises to 45 per cent in group DE.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) records the proportion of non-internet users as halving between 2011 and 2018, down from 20% of adults to 10%. Of those who are classed as non-internet users, 55% come from adults aged over 75, and 24%of those aged 65 to 74.

60+

Older people told us that they would not have applied for Attendance Allowance without the support of the service. This is due to a range of factors including digital exclusion, cognitive abilities, levels of stress caused by major health impacts (dementia, cancer, onset of long-term conditions), meaning they are eligible for the benefit at a point they are least able to apply independently.

A common theme from older people was that the provision of advice and information on Welfare Benefits and other services as well as support to complete applications is essential in enabling them to remain in their homes.

“BHT have supported with completing the attendance allowance forms, we didn’t know all this was available. This has allowed us to have a cleaner and a carer to support with washing. It has given us a little bit of independence.”

“Attendance Allowance pays for chiropodist and the hairdresser. It’s like heaven. It has enabled us to remain at home together. It’s given us a new lease of life.”

“I had a 29-page form which BHT staff member helped me fill out. Talking through and describing in more detail questions such as: Can you get out of a chair. She described how I would get out of the chair, rather than just say I can.”

52% of respondents to the consultation survey, who use or have used the service, were aged 60+. Of these, 92% disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal to reduce funding by 88.5%

Health and Wellbeing

Older people told us that they valued the fact the service was able to carry out face-to-face visits. They said that due to cognitive abilities and levels of stress caused by health impacts other methods made communicating their needs difficult.

“I can’t always hear on the phone either.”

“Very difficult to talk to someone over the phone and explain something”.

“People of a certain age need to know that we’ll be alright, that we can pick up a phone, ask for help and that we’ll get it.”

Feedback from clinicians within Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Older Adults Mental Health Service in East Sussex.

This is a person-centred service for vulnerable people who are not able to access other similar services. This service is skilled in engaging individuals whose conditions and circumstances make it difficult for them to engage with other services. The older people served by this support tend to have complex and enduring mental health problems, cognitive difficulties, co-morbid health issues and are socially isolated. Older people, particularly with a Mental health condition, often experience problems with debt and struggle to navigate other systems. Unmanaged debt is known to be a risk factor for suicide. Clinicians believe that the people who tend to use this service would struggle to access alternatives.

Digital Exclusion

“post covid and everything is on-line – expectation from services since then that everyone is digitally enabled and capable, but everyone isn’t – we shouldn’t assume!”

“She [BHT Worker] could do the paperwork online, she knew who to talk to. There was so many depts to call, I am not equipped for that. I do not have a computer or smart phone.”

60+

It is likely that this proposal will impact older people negatively as the proportionately the number of older people that are supported by the service (40%) is higher compared with the general East Sussex population (26%).

Health and Wellbeing

The removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance to older people who are not claiming Pension Credit may impoverish

older people who are not aware of their eligibility to Pension Credit and will no longer have access to the service to assist in applying.

One million households will miss out due to the Winter Fuel Payment changes - Policy in Practice

The impact of this is that people age 60+ are at greater risk of financial hardship as they are not in receipt of the Winter Fuel Allowance to assist them to ensure their home is warm.

The Floating Support service supports people to increase affordable warmth within their homes by referring to a Warm Home check service. There is a risk that fewer older people would be able to access support to keep their home is warm and this would impact negatively on their ill health. Many older people are already experiencing poor health due to a long-standing illness or condition. Deteriorating ill health has potential to have an impact on A&E services already under pressure and at capacity.

Living in a cold home can lead to a range of poor health outcomes. People aged 65 and over are particularly vulnerable to the cold. It is also associated with additional winter deaths.

Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, and the respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death. Damp and mould can cause disease and ill health in anyone, but people with underlying health conditions, weakened immune systems, and some other groups of people are at greater risk of ill-health from damp and mould

Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home - GOV.UK

This group of people are at greater risk of harm or injury as one in three people aged over 65 trip or fall and the cost to the NHS is estimated to be more than £2bn per year.

https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/exploring-system-wide-costs-falls-older-people-torbay

Many falls take place in the home and are preventable, therefore housing related issues are major contributors in determining the risk of someone having a fall. The impact of falls on older people can increase demand on local NHS services and Adult Social Care and Health.

Older people experience specific issues of isolation (often increased for those in rural areas and reluctance to engage with digital access because of potential for

scams.

This proposal will have a negative impact on older people as the proposal is likely to reduce the number of home visits. Home visits are vital in being able to identify and manage risks within the home.

Digital Exclusion

This proposal will impact negatively on older people as a reduced service is likely to impact on the level of face-to-face service delivery. With a reduced level of service there is potential for services to look to digital solutions. Digital exclusion is particularly high among the oldest age groups – nationally around a third (34%) of those aged 75+ and one in ten (10%) of those aged 65-74 do not use the internet. Even those who can carry out tasks such as emailing and video calls this does not mean they have the confidence and skills to safe apply for support online as this can involve inputting personal information and uploading phots or other evidence.

LR Age UK ID202857 Digital Report.pdf

There is an increased risk that this group will be unable to access and engage with services that may impact negatively on their mental and physical wellbeing with delays in accessing support. This has the potential to increased costs to health and Adult Social Care and Health services.

We will continue to promote take up of Welfare Benefits and Pension Credit through the Multi-agency Financial Inclusion Project

16-59

There are 51,780 people claiming Universal Credit in East Sussex. 16.3% of

all people aged 16-65 were claiming UC in June 2024 in East Sussex. The national average for England is 16.4%.

10.3% of households in East Sussex were in fuel poverty in 2019 compared to 9.3 % in England.

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people supported aged 16-59 years:

Age group (<60)
Age range	%
16 to 24	13.4%
25 to 34	28.0%
35 to 44	25.6%
45 to 54	21.4%
55 to 60	12.2%

16–59

“Personally, without BHT I wouldn’t be working, I work in the NHS as a practitioner. I was mentally unwell; my marriage broke down. I was living in a hotel and on the brink of going homeless.”

“I am out of work at the moment as I don’t feel well. I struggle with forms at the best of times, I struggle with forms online. I needed help with this. They helped me. Thank you.”

Feedback from Wealden Citizens Advice ‘Often where there is a housing issue, there is more going on in our clients’ lives. Many adults who approach Wealden Citizens

Advice, not only have housing issues, but debt and income issues and have complex lives.

People have benefited greatly from this service and outcomes to reduce homelessness are evident.

48% of respondents to the consultation survey, who use or have used the service, were aged under 60 years. Of these, 92% disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal to reduce funding by 88.5%

16-59

This proposal will negatively impact people of working age as the service supports a greater proportion of people aged 16-59 (60%).

People under 35 years are particularly affected as Housing Benefit rulings usually only allow for a person to be able to claim for a single room in a shared house. This is called the Local Housing Allowance shared accommodation rate (SAR).

Housing costs and Universal Credit: Renting from a private landlord - GOV.UK

Nationally, the ability of young adults to form households of their own continues to fall.

Insecure housing means living with the constant uncertainty of not having a stable place to stay. This could be due to the threat of eviction because of rising rent costs or having to live in temporary or unsuitable accommodation.

The stress of not having a secure place to call home can worsen existing mental health problems or cause new ones to appear. Poor mental health can also make it much harder for someone to find and maintain a settled home. This increases their chances of being forced into homelessness or becoming trapped in a cycle of insecurity and increases the risk of family breakdown.

Homelessness Monitor | Crisis UK | Together we will end homelessness

Children

According to the 2021 Census there were 20,908 (22.1%) of children living in relative low-income families in 2021/22.

2023/24 Service Data:

Number of households with children supported:

24% (1,287) of households supported by the service that included children.

2023/24 Service Data:

603 referrals made by Children’s Services

Referral reason	%
Families at direct risk of homelessness	13.2%
Families already homeless	19.9%
Families at risk of domestic violence	16.7%

Children

Feedback from 10-year-old (via staff member as she is at school) “I was sofa surfing then in Temporary Accommodation with mum. Now have own accommodation and I have my own bedroom. Mum has been supported into work and is much happier. This has all made her life much better.”

From a younger couple with children:

“We appreciate ASC coming. We used to have a very small place one bedroom with my three children. We now manage to have all my family. BHT contacted me- a very good person came and visited me- I was in one room with three children- I cannot afford to rent a bigger house as the rent was too high- over £1000pcm- wanting me to go into PRS - BHT helped me to find somewhere to live”.

East Sussex Children’s Services: All teams across Children’s Services including our Single Point of Advice, Multi agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), Duty and Assessment, and Locality Family and Youth Support teams regularly refer families or individuals to the service to prevent the risk of them becoming homeless or to support them with housing issues at both a preventative early help and statutory level. The co-location of ESFSS support workers within the MASH teams leads to successful partnership working which is effective and valued by both East Sussex Children’s Services staff and ESFSS, and leads to valuable joint working and successful outcomes for families. ESFSS offer a service that all teams are able to refer to easily and with confidence.

The number of families being found to be intentionally homeless has risen over the last two years at an increasing cost to Children’s Services in cases where accommodation must be funded for families with no other housing options under S.17 of the Children’s Act 1989. Referrals to ESFSS are regularly made to assist in the prevention of families becoming intentionally homeless in the first place and to support those that have had their housing duties discharged to move on from high-cost temporary accommodation funded by Children’s Services to their own privately rented accommodation. Spend on providing accommodation for these families has more than doubled in the past two years and will continue to increase.

Feedback from the Lewes Family Support Team: “We regularly refer to the floating support service and I’m worried about the prospect of losing this support. Particularly I’m worried that not having this will at times prevent us from closing cases. Quite often, we reduce risks and can close, with BHT continuing to support with ongoing housing needs. This would be different if this support is removed.”

15% of respondents to the consultation survey, who use or have used the service, have dependent children in the household and of these, 94% disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal to reduce funding by 88.5%

Children

Children living in households will be affected as poor housing and/or homelessness may have particularly negative impacts.

Children are particularly vulnerable to living in a cold home leading to ill-health and developing ongoing health conditions (childhood asthma)

There would be increased associated risks for families with children and young people, including child protection and safeguarding issues, access to health and education and a direct impact on the health of children living in poor standard housing.

Homelessness during childhood can be a traumatic experience that affects life-long health and wellbeing. In 2019, Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland conducted a mixed method health needs assessment of children experiencing homelessness in the NHS Lanarkshire board area. They concluded that homelessness is a traumatic Adverse Childhood Event (ACE) that can affect a person’s health and wellbeing throughout their life, and that homeless children are also more likely to experience other ACEs. They often experience poorer physical and mental health than their housed peers and were significantly more likely to be referred to CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services), although were less likely to attend appointments. Key recommendations arising from this work included the acknowledgement of inequalities in health outcomes faced by children experiencing homelessness, and the need for joint working across homelessness, health, care, schools and other public services that interact with homeless children.

Equalities considerations for housing, homelessness, health and care

Housing instability can negatively impact a child’s health, development and school performance and often compounds trauma that they are going through or have experienced. The service provides a valuable service to front-line workers in Children’s Services which compliments and strengthens the statutory obligations and case management teams in supporting children and families to remain in, manage or access safe and suitable housing.

With increased demand on local children’s services to prevent homelessness and ensure children, young people and families have access to stable housing a proposed reduction in this service will impact on the capacity of this service to support individuals and families with housing related support. This has the potential to have a worrying and far-reaching impact across children’s services and the outcomes for children and their families.

The proposal to reduce the service is likely to impact on the ability of Children’s Services ability to carry out preventative work with families who are facing eviction and housing issues including rent arrears and housing related debt, thereby lead to more families and children at risk of homelessness and the negative outcomes this will have on the physical and mental health and wellbeing for both parents and children.

This proposal is likely to result in a significant increase in costs for Children’s Services especially in relation to families who have been found intentionally homeless and had their housing duty discharged by the Borough and District Housing Authorities.

This will impact negatively on children and their families as it is likely more families will end up homeless and potentially intentionally homeless if they are not able to access specialist housing advice and support.

The proposal to reduce the service is likely to increase workloads and reduce capacity of front-line staff that will have a negative impact on children achieving good outcomes. Children’s Services do not have expertise in housing-related needs and support thereby, would not be able to replicate this service.

Disability

In the 2021 census, 20.3% of East Sussex residents were living with a long-term physical or mental health condition or impairment that affected their ability to carry out day-to-day activities in 2021, the same proportion as in 2011 (compares to 18% for England & Wales).

34.8% of households in East Sussex had at least one member identifying as disabled under the Equality Act in 2021.

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people supported by need:

	%
Physical / Sensory Disability or long-standing illness / Acquired Brain Injury	61%
Mental Health Condition	30%
Learning Disability / Difficulty / Neurodivergent	7%
Other	2%

2023/24 Service Data –

Breakdown by age of people supported that identified as disabled under the Equality Act 2010.

Age range	Yes	No	Did not disclose
16-24	58.8%	40.2%	1.8%
25-34	61.1%	37.9%	1.0%
35-44	67.4%	31.4%	1.2%
45-54	76.5%	21.9%	1.6%
55-64	85.0%	13.9%	1.1%
65-74	86.1%	12.5%	1.5%
75-84	86.7%	11.3%	2.0%
85+	88.0%	10.0%	2.0%
Total	75.7%

Blank

109

Digital Exclusion

In people with at least one health/sensory impairment 26% of them don’t have all the foundation digital skills.

• For people with multiple impairments this increases to 37%Error! Bookmark not defined.

Substance Misuse

East Sussex is home to an estimated 2,300 people who use opiates and/or crack. Of these, 53.3% were in treatment at some point in 2021/22 which is above the national average of 46.3%. but it does indicate a possible further 1,050 people using opiates or crack who are not accessing treatment.

The service report that 40% of adults’ self-report a concern with their Mental Health at the time of referral.

“I have recently retired. My worker has been invaluable to me. I cannot do forms and things. I find it impossible. My worker has been outstanding. I now have PIP and they have helped me get on the Housing Register. I can’t fault the service one bit. Long may it last. [Without the service] I wouldn’t have known what to do.”

“The waiting list was only 6 weeks at BHT, they came and helped me straight away. I have a physical disability, and I am a wheelchair user. My flat was too small- there was no room for my mobility scooter. BHT helped me to move”.

“I have the intelligence to read and fill in a form. My complex needs are around my eyes, I cannot see very well. A BHT worker came to my home and has helped me.”

“They were brilliant, I don’t know what I would have done without them. They know the phraseology of the forms, the detail required. I wish I could show you how detailed the forms were. I now have my benefits and a blue badge.”

“You feel vulnerable due to illness. The help from BHT has been invaluable - positive, friendly, nonjudgemental – amazing service.”

“I couldn’t cope- without BHT supporting me, it is a ‘must do’ service. This service is like drops that fall from heaven- this has saved me from depression, from being a burden on the NHS- of having to go to hospital- it saved me from a flat that wasn’t suitable- I didn’t even have a carpet. I was not able to do the paperwork- it no longer comes easy to me. I got assistance to come and support me, assistance to complete forms, and to get carpeting in my flat”.

“If BHT were taken away, people just won’t know what is available to support them, or what they are entitled to. People’s lives are put on hold whilst they sit on waiting lists waiting for support, this will happen more and CAB won’t be able to cope”.

“My lifestyle has improved, there are many benefits- my main problem is hoarding. I hope that I can get better”.

“I’m now in a house share and I have been empowered by BHT to get out of a cycle- we need to spiral back up and this is key in supporting people like me. It’s not easy. We need to know where to go. We need to be supported to access support when it is needed”.

“I was served with Section 21 notice and had to leave my home. I thought, what on earth will happen to me? BHT were referred to me and they helped me find somewhere else to live. I wouldn’t have been able to cope with this on my own”.

“People do not envisage or aspire to be homeless. Its life experiences, life events.”

“The landlord owns nearly all the properties in the road we lived in and he didn’t fix any of the issues. It shouldn’t be allowed!
The flat was assessed as a risk to life. BHT contacted the landlord, who served a no-fault eviction, rather than do the work.
Council believed everything the landlord said but he is now doing the work needed since she left.
BHT supported me to find a new property and I was eventually offered somewhere more appropriate.”

“I asked the DWP for help with form filling and was told they can’t help as they’ve reached their quota. “This is the same for all these [statutory] services, they don’t have time to help people like BHT do”.

Adult who identified as autistic – in Emergency Accommodation for 5 months, now in Council flat. Service enabled me to overcome mountain of paperwork, “I would still be homeless without the service”

Adult has acquired brain injury, served with S21 after complained about damp, can’t cope with forms. “Stress makes me very ill, couldn’t cope without support. Service helped contact the Council, fill in forms to apply for housing and Blue Badge. Now in Private Rented Sector through council will get help to apply for social housing as will need more suitable accommodation as condition gets worse. “Service made all the phone calls and sent emails as I find this too difficult and don’t remember to respond/send further information”

Feedback from Wealden Citizens Advice ‘Floating Support Services remain an important part of the support that we can offer to our clients. The fact that they can support clients with home visits’.

76% of respondents to the consultation survey, who use or have used the service, said that they have a physical or mental health condition or illness lasting or expected to last 12 months or more. Of these, 92% disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal to reduce funding by 88.5%

People who are disabled are likely to be more affected by the proposal than those in the general population, this is because the characteristics of this cohort evidence that many of the people who have been supported by the service are disabled. A person’s disability or long-standing illness may consequently create a housing need.

People who have a mental health condition are more likely to be affected by the proposal than those in the general population - 40% of the people the service supported self-report a concern with their mental health at the time of referral.

Having problems with housing can impact negatively on people’s mental health. People who have poor mental health may already be at increased risk to eviction due to behavioural and financial reasons.

The emotional and mental impact of losing a home can exacerbate poor mental health. The experience of applying for housing support can be stressful. People with a disability or long-standing condition may lack the skills to navigate a complex system of applications for social renting. There is a potential risk to exacerbate an existing condition that adversely affects their physical and mental health and well-being.

Having a disability or long-term health condition means many people rely on Welfare Benefits. This means managing money is harder, worrying about money (e.g.

food insecurity, home insecurity, utility costs, debt, etc) can impact negatively on a person’s physical and mental health, thereby leading to a cycle that can impact every aspect of an individual’s life.

A 2014 health audit conducted by Homeless Link in England found that 41% of people experiencing homelessness have long-term physical disabilities compared to 28% of the general population, while 45% of people experiencing homelessness have a diagnosed mental health condition, compared to 25% of the general population.

The Unhealthy State of Homelessness | Homeless Link

Disabled people were less likely to own their own home than non-disabled people of the same age and were more likely to live in social rented accommodation

East Sussex 2021 Census Briefing: Disability (eastsussexinfigures.org.uk)

Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs and the respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death. Damp and mould can cause disease and ill health in anyone, but people with underlying health conditions, weakened immune systems, and some other groups of people are at greater risk of ill-health from damp and mould.

Research by Mind examined the relationship between mental health and housing and summarised the key impacts of housing conditions that affect emotional and mental wellbeing as follows:

Physical condition of the property - Poor quality homes including those which are cold and or damp have a strong negative impact on both physical and mental health and can cause low self-esteem and increase isolation.

Affordability of the property - Housing is one of the largest costs to a household and can cause a great deal of financial stress. Nearly half of people who have stress related to housing report that it is due to lack of finances. People who own and can afford their own homes tend to have higher life satisfaction, with those who rent privately having the lowest.

Overcrowding - Overcrowding is strongly linked with depression, stress and anxiety.

Local environment - if the neighbourhood is in disrepair, with a lack of green spaces and poor facilities this can affect mental health, as can the perception (and in some cases, the reality) of high rates of crime, sense of safety and noise.

Room for Improvement: a review of mental health and housing (mind.org.uk)

Housing is a source of identity and housing problems can have an impact on people’s physical health and emotional and mental wellbeing. Annual Public Health Report 2019/20 - Health and Housing |

Gender reassignment

The 2021 East Sussex Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Queer + (LGBTQ+)[1] Comprehensive Needs Assessment estimates that there may be 5,572 Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) people (1% of the population) living in East Sussex

2021 Census: 1640 residents declared their gender identity was different to that assigned at birth which is 0.4% of the population.

2023/24 Service Data

Gender as presented below and therefore does not separate CIS and Transgender people.

Female	57%
Male	42%

There were no specific views regarding this protected characteristic from the consultation sessions.

In the UK, one in four transgender people have experienced homelessness, with twenty-five per cent of participants experiencing discrimination when buying or renting accommodation

The needs assessment also found that homelessness disproportionately impacts LGBTQ+ people - 18% of LGBTQ+ and TGD people surveyed had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.

LGBT in Britain - Trans Report (2018) | Stonewall

This indicates it is likely to impact negatively on this group of people as they are more likely to struggle to find and maintain accommodation.

Pregnancy and maternity

There are just under 5,000 births per year in East Sussex. Hastings has the highest overall birth rate as well as for women aged 15-19 years. Lewes and then Rother have the highest birth rates for women aged 35-44 years.

Nationally it is not known how many pregnant women are currently experiencing homelessness in the UK

A survey by 'Dispatches and RCM find that 99.7% of midwives have seen mothers who were homeless over the past six months' 2023 saw the highest numbers of families experiencing homelessness and living in temporary accommodation since records began Statutory homelessness in England: Infographic 2023-24 - GOV.UK

BHT figures for 2023/24 shows that the service supported 137 women who were pregnant. This information is only recorded for Female pregnant, no children (99) and Couple pregnant, no children (38). The actual figure is likely to be higher when including pregnancy is families that already have children.

Pregnancy can also impact on job security around one in nine mother (11%) reported that they were either dismissed, or made compulsorily redundant, where others in their workplace were not; or treated so poorly they felt they had to leave their job.

Feedback from the consultation heard from a young couple whose accommodation was no longer suitable due to expecting another child:

Housing insecurity can impact negatively on pregnant women’s perinatal mental health and wellbeing.

Reduced nutritional intake in pregnancy is common while homeless because of a lack of access to cooking facilities in temporary accommodation. Poor diets can cause anaemia, pre-eclampsia, haemorrhage and death in mothers. They can also lead to stillbirth, low birthweight, wasting and developmental delays for children.

Several studies link housing insecurity and adverse impacts on the health of the child including low birth weight, premature birth, maternal death and increased need for healthcare of the child post birth.

(Housing instability and adverse perinatal outcomes: a systematic review - PMC (nih.gov)).

This indicates people that share this protected characteristic are potentially at increased risk of being impacted by housing issues.

This is likely to impact on District & Borough Councils and Children’s Services as women who are classed as priority need under The Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) (England) Order 2022.

Race (ethnicity)

Including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

8.0% of the adult population in

East Sussex is from an ethnic minority Group (including White minority groups). This compares to 18.8% in England.

In 2021, 93.9% (512,440) of usual residents in East Sussex identified their ethnic group within the high-level "White" category, a decrease from 96.0% (505,420) in the 2011 Census, but still significantly higher than the English national average (81.0%) and also higher than the average for the Southeast region (86.6%).

4.6% were of another white background; 1.6% were Asian/ Asian British, 0.5% were Black/ Black British and1.3.% were from other ethnic backgrounds.

Those selecting a non-UK identity only accounted for 5.5% of the overall population (29,880 people), which is an increase from 4.3% of the population (23,090 people) in 2011. The most common non-UK identities are Polish, Irish, Romanian, Portuguese and Italian.

A higher percentage of the population in East Sussex identified as Gypsy or Irish Traveller than the national average (0.2% compared to 0.1%).

East Sussex has over 1200 refugees from Ukraine staying in the county.

Precise data on asylum seekers and refugees is not available however East Sussex currently has six adult asylum seeker hotels, with the majority in Eastbourne.

2023/24 Service Data - Ethnicity:

Ethnicity	Individuals	%
White British	4249	87.1%
All Other Ethnicities	628	12.9%

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people supported by Ethnicity:

Ethnicity	Individuals	%
Arab	20	0.4%
Asian/Asian British: Bangladeshi	13	0.3%
Asian/Asian British: Chinese	4	0.1%
Asian/Asian British: Indian	14	0.3%
Asian/Asian British: Other	22	0.5%
Asian/Asian British: Pakistani	9	0.2%
Black/Black British: African	49	1.0%
Black/Black British: Caribbean	21	0.4%
Black/Black British: Other	16	0.3%
Gypsy/Irish Traveller	22	0.5%
Mixed: Other	29	0.6%
Mixed: White & Asian	12	0.2%
Mixed: White & Black African	7	0.1%
Mixed: White & Black Caribbean	33	0.7%
Other Ethnic Group: Other	42	0.9%
Persian/Iranian	9	0.2%
Prefer not to say	34	0.7%
Roma Traveller	3	0.1%
White: British	4249	87.1%
White: Irish	47	1.0%
White: Other	222	4.6%
Total	4877
Blank/No Information	22	0.5%

An adult from Eastern Europe was living in accommodation where he felt unsafe due to with criminal activity and anti-social behaviour that he was experiencing in his accommodation. Due to his living circumstances, he was hospitalised under Psychiatry for three weeks. “People are not helping me, I was told to go to CAB, no help there. I needed to move as quickly as possible. I was advised to go to the Police Station, they didn’t help. They (BHT) helped me to get this place, but it is temporary for one year”.

The data tells us that the service supported a higher proportion of people with this protected characteristic (12.9%) compared to the East Sussex average of 8.0%.

The service supported a higher proportion of Black/Black British (1.7%) compared with the East Sussex average (0.5%).

A higher than East Sussex average of Black/Black British people using the service this would indicate this proposal would have a negative impact on this protected characteristic.

Nationally, a higher proportion of people identified as homeless in Census 2021 identified within the "Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African" (15.0%), "Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups" (5.1%), or "Other ethnic group" (6.1%) high-level categories, when compared with the rest of the population of England and Wales (4.0%, 2.9%, and 2.1%, respectively).

People from ethnic minority groups may be disproportionately affected as they are more likely to experience homelessness and poor housing.

Evidence suggests that ethnic minority individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing "hidden" homelessness. They were also less likely to perceive themselves as homeless and therefore less likely to access homelessness services, making homelessness in these communities less visible.

People from ethnic minorityback grounds may face additional barriers including access to translation and interpretation particularly when it comes to information and advice, appropriate information about housing options and rights, literacy issues, lack of familiarity with the system, institutional, structural and personal discrimination and difficulties in getting specialised advice. Currently the service can support people who share this protected characteristic by being able to offer face-to-face support. If this proposal is agreed, it is likely to impact upon the service’s ability to undertake face-to-face support. This will impact negatively on people from ethnic minority backgrounds as access to face-to-face support can minimise barriers to interpretation and translation.

Religion or belief

In 2021, 45.9% (250,330) of usual residents of East Sussex identified as Christian, down from 59.9% (315,650) in 2011.

The second most common religion in East Sussex after Christianity is Islam. The proportion of the population stating they were Muslim increased from 0.8% of the usual resident population (4,200) in 2011 to 1.1% (6,190) in 2021.

This is low compared to both the Southeast Regional and the English national averages, with 3.3% of residents in the South East specified their religion as Islam, and 6.7% across the whole of England.

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people supported that disclosed their religion:

Religion	Individuals	%
Agnostic	46	1.0%
Atheist	64	1.3%
Buddhist	18	0.4%
Christian (all denominations)	1579	32.6%
Hindu	3	0.1%
Jewish	12	0.2%
Muslim	80	1.7%
None	2330	48.2%
Not known	462	9.5%
Orthodox	3	0.1%
Other	47	1.0%
Pagan	28	0.6%
Prefer not to say	109	2.3%
Rastafarian	2	0.0%
Spiritualist	55	1.1%
Total	4838
Blank/No Information	61

There were no specific views regarding this protected characteristic.

Most adults in the service either have no religion or are Christian. It is not felt that this proposal would have a significant impact on individuals from a religions or belief perspective.

Whilst it may be possible for some individuals to seek additional support via their religious or spiritual groups it is not likely this would represent a mitigation as they are unlikely to have knowledge of housing-related support options.

Not required

Sex

Of the population of East Sussex, 299,064 (52%) are female and 270,788 (48%) are male.

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people supported by sex:

· Female 57%

· Male 42%

32% of homeless women from the general population reported that domestic violence contributed to their homelessness and 52% of domestic abuse survivors need support to help them stay in their own home or move to new accommodation.

Homelessness and domestic abuse spotlight - SafeLives

2023/24 Service Data: Referrals made to the service for people at risk of domestic violence:

Referring organisation

Number

Statutory Children’s Services

101

Local Housing Authorities

2023/24 Service Data:

A total of 71 adults were supported to access specialist Domestic Abuse services.

From the consultation sessions a theme that emerged particularly for older women was that during their marriage their husband managed all household finances and bills.

“I need help to fill these in (Pension Credit), I have never done this stuff before. I worked as a cleaner in the hospital. I have never had to do this; my husband always did everything before he passed away at 91yrs.”

The proportion of females supported by the service (57%) is a higher than East Sussex average (52%).

This suggests that this proposal may disproportionately impact women as they are more likely to be supported by the service compared to men.

Women over the age of 65 years may be more likely to be impacted negatively due to them reporting having not previously managed finances.

Women are negatively impacted by their gender as

women with experiences of domestic abuse described feeling more at risk in environments where they are exposed to men.

A combination of traditionally disadvantaged aspects of identity may inform experiences or increase risk of homelessness.

For example, a young woman who is under 18 and a refugee is likely to face greater complexity in navigating her homelessness.

In-her-shoes-young-womens-experiences-of-homelessness.pdf

The service contributes to supporting domestic abuse and sexual violence victims. The service works in partnership with the Domestic Abuse Portal and supports those women who do not meet the threshold for Domestic Abuse services but need support to

manage their safety and mitigate risk. It is likely that this could increase the number of safeguarding referrals into Children’s Services and Adult Social Care and Health.

It is likely that this could see an increase in calls to the Police and an increased attendance at local A&E departments.

Sexual orientation

The 2021 East Sussex LGBTQI+ Comprehensive Needs Assessment estimates that there may be between 17,273 and 39,004 LGB+ people living in East Sussex (between 3.1% and 7% of the population)

In adults, the GP patient survey found that mental health condition prevalence was significantly higher in LGB+ people (41%), compared to heterosexual people (11%), especially in bisexual people (56%).

According to the 2021 Census 3.3% of East Sussex residents declared themselves as LGB+.

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people supported that disclosed Sexual Orientation:

Sexual Orientation	Individuals	%
Unsure	90	1.9%
Queer	3	0.1%
Prefer not to say	157	3.2%
Pansexual	16	0.3%
Other	6	0.1%
Lesbian	40	0.8%
Heterosexual/Straight	4388	90.3%
Gay	58	1.2%
Bisexual	87	1.8%
Asexual	12	0.2%
Total	4857
Blank/No Information	42

There were no specific views regarding this protected characteristic expressed through the consultation sessions.

4.5% of people supported by the service in a 12-month period identified as not heterosexual which is above the estimated percentage within East Sussex (3.3%), therefore this indicates a negative impact on people with this protected characteristic.

Nationally, almost one in five LGBT people (18 per cent) have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. This number increases to almost three in ten LGBT disabled people (28 per cent) compared to more than one in ten LGBT people who aren't disabled (11 per cent). One in four trans people (25 per cent) have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, compared to one in six LGB people who aren't trans (16 per cent). LGBT people in category C2DE (lower income households) are more likely than LGBT people in category ABC1 (higher income households) to have experienced homelessness, 25 per cent compared to 15 per cent. One in four non-binary people (24 per cent), 20 per cent of LGBT women and 15 per cent of LGBT men have experienced homelessness

lgbt_in_britain_home_and_communities.pdf (stonewall.org.uk)

This would indicate a potential increased risk that people within this group are likely to experience homelessness or risk of homelessness which is likely to exacerbate their health and wellbeing.

Marriage and civil partnership

According to 2021 census data for East Sussex:

· Single 29%

· Married 46.5%

· Civil Partnership 0.4%

· Divorced 11%

· Widowed 8%

The service does not collect data on marriage and/or civil partnerships.

2023/24 Service Data – Break-down of people that disclosed relationship status:

· Single 71%

· Couple 21%

· Other 8%

N/A. There were no specific views regarding this protected characteristic.

There is no identified impact relating to marriage and civil partnership.

Not applicable

Armed Forces

In 2021, 21,173 people in East Sussex reported that they had previously served in the UK armed forces (4.6% of usual residents aged 16 years and over).

There were 19,917 households (8.3% of all households) in East Sussex with at least one person who had served in the UK armed forces.

East Sussex had the 4th highest proportion of veterans in the 16 and over population (4.6%) in the Southeast.

2023/24 Service Data:–

3.5% of people supported by the service during 2023/24 identified as either currently serving, a veteran or dependent of someone in the armed forces.

There were no specific views regarding this protected characteristic.

People who currently serve or veterans of the armed forces are at increased risk of homelessness. As such Local Authorities have a legal duty to have due regard to the principles of the Home - Armed Forces Covenant when exercising certain statutory functions in the fields of healthcare, education and housing.

Nationally the number of veterans has shown an increase from 1,850 to 2,110 homeless veterans in the period 2022-23.

Homelessness among armed forces veterans in England rises by 14% | Ministry of Defence | The Guardian

The proposal of a reduced service will impact negatively on people who currently serve in the armed forces, veteran or a dependent as the potential of a reduced service may

exclude people from this group who are currently eligible.

There may be some mitigation opportunities for this group who could be signposted to access VCSE organisations that specialise in the support people who serve or have previously served in the Armed Forces.

Impacts on community cohesion

People said the size of the cut would be too great and cause greater demand on services from the NHS, charities, housing organisations, social care and local councils. Moreover, this increase in demand is likely to be more expensive than the cost of maintaining the current budget for the service.

Many of the comments in all of the feedback sessions were that the human cost of these decisions would negatively impact the community. It is felt that the knock-on effects of reducing the service would be far-reaching, impacting people’s ability to access the support they are entitled to and resulting in people losing out on funding they are entitled to and being stuck in unsuitable accommodation, becoming homeless, or at risk of dying.

Potential for increases in homelessness and access to temporary accommodation, also increase in rough sleeping due to inability to maintain accommodation. Wider impacts for consideration are that insecure housing may impact on ability to maintain employment and/or attendance of school or college.

Wider impacts for consideration would be deteriorating physical and/or mental health which could increase the risk of individuals misuse of alcohol or illicit substances a

Additional categories

(identified locally as potentially causing / worsening inequality)

Characteristic

What do you know?

What do people tell you?

What does this mean?

What can you do?

Rurality

The Floating Support Service provides a county-wide service and can offer home visits.

2023/24 Service Data:

Analysis of postcode data has been mapped giving the location of adults who used the service in 2023/24 (see 2.9 of Cabinet report).

The map shows that the larger proportion of adults are from coastal urban towns of Hastings and Eastbourne, it also demonstrates the reach of the service into the rural areas of the county and proportionate with data population for East Sussex.

74% of the population in East Sussex lives in an urban area with the remaining 26% living in a rural area (2021 census).

A report completed in 2023 Homelessness in the Countryside identified that rural areas receive 65% less funding per capita than urban for homelessness prevention and there is a 24% increase in rural rough sleeping in the past year.

A key theme from the views of both service users and partners is the value of being able to support adults with home visits and without this there would be a gap.

People living in rural areas often must travel distances to access support, although no specific views on this were feedback, one lady who attended the consultation session covering the Wealden area share that she travelled two hours to attend the session.

The proposed reduction in funding is likely to put at risk or limit the offer of home visits.

There is therefore a risk that this proposal will adversely affect people living in rural area of the county who have limited access to transport and increased costs associated with accessing support.

Carers

Care for the Carers estimates that there are 69,241 (11.7%) unpaid carers in East Sussex. It is difficult to know the actual number of carers because so many carers are hidden.

Care for the Carers is a key referral partner with a direct referral pathway into the service.

2023/24 Service Data:–

112 carers were referred for support.

2023/24 Service Data:-

12.8% of people supported by the Floating Support Service had a known caring responsibility.

Care for the Carers Survey 2023 99% of carers in East Sussex responding said they feel stressed

There are over 10,000 people claiming Carers Allowance in East Sussex. (Source DWP Feb 2020)

8% of carers aged under 55 cannot afford their rent/mortgage payments.

14% of carers are in debt as a result of caring. This increased to 23% for carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

Carers UK State of Caring 2023 (carersuk.org)

A common theme that emerged from carers is that they didn’t know where to turn to when they were faced with the impact of caring for someone. This is exacerbated further when the carer experiences an unexpected health issue.

One carer described, “Our life’s a perfect storm. We’ve found it (the service) invaluable. I would describe myself as capable to complete a form but trying to care (for husband with dementia) and have cancer treatment isn’t easy.”

Carer for her husband who is diagnosed with dementia and experiencing ill-health was referred to the service by the Memory Clinic. The service was able to offer support with forms, benefits, and Blue Badge, “This (the service) is desperately needed - like a friend. Non-judgemental, no expectations, was able to talk about our needs, came to help husband, helped me as well”

A carer explained “If the service wasn’t here, we would have missed out on the attendance allowance and left it.”

Feedback from Care for the Carers, ‘Changes to service delivery at the proposed scale will come with significant consequences for some of the most vulnerable residents in East Sussex and our deep concern in respect of the impact of these proposals on vulnerable people in East Sussex and their carers’.

21% of respondents to the consultation survey, who use or have used the service, are carers and of these, 93% disagree or strongly disagree with the proposal to reduce funding by 88.5%

The proposal to reduce the service may place an additional burden on carers who are already stressed and fatigued by their caring role. People with this protected characteristic are at increased risk of their health and wellbeing being adversely affected due to their caring role.

Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind at only £76.75 per week (2023/24 rates) for providing a minimum of 35 hours of care.

People with caring responsibilities struggle financially often because their income has been affected by caring: many carers have had to reduce their working hours to care, while others are unable to work at all due to caring responsibilities. As a result of a reduced or limited income carers are more likely to find it difficult to maintain their accommodation or ensure a safe home environment.

Care for the Carers outline the following impacts for carers:

Reducing their ability to take a break from their caring role - A lack of access to breaks / respite is already one of the most challenging aspects of caring in East Sussex, which carers consistently tell us significantly reduces their wellbeing and increases the likelihood of carer breakdown.

Increasing the likelihood of carers being able to maintain employment - Changes in service times/days of day service provision are key risks to carers being able to negotiate or maintain flexible working with their employers.

Reducing carers’ financial wellbeing - Being able to maintain employment is vital to carers’ ability to maintain choices, independence and financial wellbeing. The proposals will jeopardise this.

Reducing carers’ health and wellbeing - As described in the consultation information, the proposed changes will be stressful for both service users and their carers, and will destabilise caring arrangements, impacting on carers’ wellbeing.

Low income

East Sussex is ranked 93 out of 151 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLA) on the IMD rank. Hastings is the 13 most deprived Lower Tier Local Authority (LTLA) out of 317 LTLAs in the country, with similar levels of deprivation as Newham, and Blackburn with Darwen.

Wealden is the least deprived LTLA in East Sussex, with a rank of 254, which means it has similar levels of deprivation as Sevenoaks and Hambleton.

In East Sussex there are 329 LSOAs Lower Super Output Areas. 22 of these are in the most deprived 10% nationally. 16 of these are in Hastings, four in Eastbourne, and two in Rother

In 2023 in East Sussex the average (median) house price was £345,000, 10.1 times the average annual earnings of residents, which were £34,028. In comparison the average house price in England was £290,000, 8.3 times average annual earnings, which were £35,100.

The cost of private rented housing in East Sussex rose by up to 27% between 2019 and 2023. Average private rents ranged from £167 to £253 a week across districts

During 2023/24 BHT supported adults with cost-of-living pressures with additional payments via a client’s fund.

Client Fund	Budget	Number supported
Cold Weather Goods	£60,000	1151
Emergency Fund	£60,000	302
Digital Inclusion Fund	£60,000	443
Voucher Top-up	£130,00	639
Total	£310,00	2535

Feedback received from the survey and consultation events:

“They supported me to get pension credit. I felt rich after previously not being able to pay my rent and council tax.”

“I find this proposal to cut funding morally reprehensible. When there’s a tough decision to be made it’s always the vulnerable and the poor who get hit the hardest. Often dealing with council paperwork is bewildering and having help in getting what one is entitled to is invaluable.”

“Many clients will no longer have bespoke, knowledgeable support with their housing and/or financial needs which in turn is likely to increase the disadvantages they are already facing.”

Nationally 14% of people in the UK were in absolute low income before housing costs in 2022/23, and 18% were in absolute low income (absolute poverty) after housing costs.

Poverty in the UK: statistics - House of Commons Library

Rent arrears are a priority debt as landlords can evict tenants from their home if they don’t pay. Those on benefits (both in and out of work claimants) are particularly vulnerable to falling into arrears due to benefits not being increased in line with inflation, and the Local Housing Allowance

(LHA) being frozen at March 2020 levels.

This proposal to reduce the service will have a negative impact for people on a low income as it will adversely affect their ability to access the support they are entitled to and resulting in people losing out on funding they are entitled to.

People that share this characteristic may be less resilient to

unexpected spending needs such as the failure of a boiler or other durable good and are more likely to get behind with payments and fall into debt.

This can impact adversely on their mental health and put them at increased risk of anxiety and depression and increase the risk of suicide.

Low-income families are more likely to go without essentials such as food and heating to cut back on spending.

Not heating, eating or meeting bills: managing a cost of living crisis on a low income | Joseph Rowntree Foundation

People’s ability to afford healthy food is a major determinant in the nutritional quality of their diets that can cause them to experience poor health outcomes.

The national picture suggests that amongst the poorest fifth of the population, households with children would have to spend 70% of their disposable income on food to afford a diet in line the government recommended healthy diet.

Digital Exclusion

Digital ExclusionError! Bookmark not defined.

The population of insecurely housed/homeless people who have confounding factors (neurodiversity, language issues, lack of basic education, offending history, addiction issues, mental health problems) tend to be much younger (30 – 55) and there is a huge population of these adults who need digital skills/access help to manage their lives.

20% of the population in the UK do not possess all the foundation digital skills.

• In socio-economic classes D/E this increases to 36%

A common theme that emerged from the consultation sessions that people of all ages felt disadvantaged as more services go digital, they are unable to access support, advice and information. This was higher for people older and who work or worked manual work e.g. lorry driver, hospital cleaner.

The national picture tells us that three out of ten people aged 65 to 74 and two- thirds of those aged 75 and over are not online.

There is also a link to social disadvantage. For example, while only 15 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 in socio-economic group AB do not use the internet, this rises to 45 per cent in group DE.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) records the proportion of non-internet users as halving between 2011 and 2018, down from 20% of adults to 10%. of those who are classed as non-internet users, 55% come from adults aged over 75, and 24% of those aged 65 to 74.

There is a higher risk of digital exclusion, particularly amongst older people and people on low incomes.

Other groups that may be differently affected (including but not only: homeless people, substance users, care leavers – see end note)

Rough Sleeping

Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2023 - GOV.UK

Number of people sleeping rough in East Sussex on a single night in autumn 2023

Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Local Authority	Single night estimate
Eastbourne	37
Hastings	31
Lewes	6
Rother	5
Wealden	6
	85

71% of adults were/ supported to remain in their existing accommodation.

Adults with low literacy

1 in 6 (16.4%) adults in England are estimated to have very low literacy, which means they may struggle with longer texts and unfamiliar topics (OECD, 2016)

The average worker in the UK with very low literacy will earn approximately 7.1% less than if they had a basic level of literacy. This means that they would need to work an additional 1.5 years over their lifetime to make up for this disparity (Pro Bono economics, 2021).

In England, 43% of working-age adults don’t have the literacy skills they need to understand and make use of everyday health information (Public Health England, 2015)

Public Health England and UCL Institute of Health Equity (2015), Local action on health inequalities Improving health literacy to reduce health inequalities

16.54% of adults supported by the service had a health condition that may impact on their literacy.

Seldom-heard voices: Adult literacy in the UK | National Literacy Trust

The average life expectancy for a rough sleeper is 44 years men and 42 years for women.

Options for people sleeping rough are limited due to their often complex needs limited appropriate accommodation options. This is further exacerbated by several grant funding streams supporting services people with multiple compound needs, including the East Sussex Rough Sleeping Initiative and Changing Futures programme, due to end March 2025.

The proposal to reduce funding for Supported Accommodation services may also impact this group.

Assessment of overall impacts and any further recommendations- include assessment of cumulative impacts (where a change in one service/policy/project may have an impact on another)

A reduction in funding from £4,372,615 to £500,000 per annum, a reduction of 88.5% in overall funding is likely to require a fundamental service redesign. This reduced level of funding would enable approximately 854 adults per annum to use the service as opposed 5,282 people supported in 2023/24 (based on current model of service delivery). Consideration will need to be given to narrowing the scope of the service to targeted groups only, i.e. older people or Adult Social Care and Health adults only.

There are some services in East Sussex that provide housing advice, but we know these are in high demand and don’t necessarily offer the same level or type of support e.g. home visits and face-to-face. The service is heavily used by Adult Social Care and Health, the District and Borough housing authorities, Children’s Services as well as other Statutory and VCSE organisations.

This significant service reduction is likely to place an increased burden on these services and could lead to poorer housing outcomes for people. Homelessness and insecure housing are known to have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the individuals affected and consequently can be linked with increased use of healthcare and support services which has a significant impact on other stakeholders.

Key Impacts:

The Floating Support Service supported almost 5,300 residents during 2023/24 to access appropriate support to address their housing needs tailored to each individual situation with face-to-face support as needed.

The proposed significant reduction in funding will have a negative impact on older people, pregnant women, households with children, disabled people, those from ethnic minority communities and those who have experienced multiple disadvantages. This is likely to have a knock-on effect to many areas ranging from Adult Social Care and Health, Children’s Services, District and Borough Housing teams, local VCSE services, health and criminal justice services many of which are already facing reduced funding streams alongside an increase in demand.

Risks -

It is highly likely the proposals would result in a significant decrease in provision of support to address risks to adults including:

· loss of / risk of losing accommodation

· ability to manage/move on from temporary/emergency accommodation

· living in unsuitable housing

· lack of resettlement support

· ability to cope with housing

· support to maintain independence or is at risk of losing their independence due to their housing situation

· no support provision to move to accommodation that will better meet their needs

· homelessness

This may lead to:

· street homelessness

· suicides and death on the streets

· people living in unsafe conditions

· people living in conditions that put their health at risk

· use of health services particularly A&E

· demand for mental health services

· safeguarding

· criminal behaviour

This is further exacerbated with the proposal to withdraw funding for the support provided within Supported Accommodation and with several grant funding streams supporting services people with multiple compound needs, including the East Sussex Rough Sleeping Initiative and Changing Futures programme, currently due to end March 2025 leaving uncertainty about the future of these services.

The money advice/welfare benefits provision in the county is under huge pressure with increasing demand and the ending of the Additional Measures funding in March 2025.

Intersectionality

Applying a systemic analysis to the impact of the decision ensures protected characteristics are not considered in isolation from the individuals who embody them. The proposal will impact individuals who have more than one protected characteristic. People in need of housing advice may be disproportionately disadvantaged across multiple areas and have more than one protected characteristic, in particular in terms of race, socio-economic status, sex and disability.

With the potential for additional reductions in funding to other support services within RPPR scope, the cumulative effect on the availability of support options for adults affected by these proposals is significant.

There are 1,360 East Sussex residents known to have multiple and compound needs (usually a combination of three or more of the following: mental health needs, homelessness, drug and alcohol use, survivors of domestic abuse, involvement in the criminal justice system). Many of these are likely to require support from services that can offer a flexible approach with a range of communication options including face-to-face and with flexibility regarding the timescales within which support can be offered. Without this flexible support, and the cumulative impact of the reduction in other services, the impact for residents who have multiple and compound needs is likely to be increased risk of homelessness, worsened mental health, reduced access to drug and alcohol services, increased harmful behaviours and increased involvement in the criminal justice system.

3. List detailed data and/or community feedback that informed your EqIA

Source and type of data (e.g. research, or direct engagement (interviews), responses to questionnaires, etc.)	Date	Gaps in data	Actions to fill these gaps: who else do you need to engage with? (add these to the Action Plan below, with a timeframe)
Research Annual Public Health Report 2019/20 - Health and Housing \| The-value-of-justice-for-all-a-report-for-the-Access-to-Justice-Foundation-and-the-Bar-Council-from-Pragmatix-Advisory.pdf (atjf.org.uk) Health - county \| East Sussex \| Report Builder for ArcGIS (eastsussexinfigures.org.uk) One million households will miss out due to the Winter Fuel Payment changes - Policy in Practice Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home - GOV.UK https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/exploring-system-wide-costs-falls-older-people-torbay LR Age UK ID202857 Digital Report.pdf Housing costs and Universal Credit: Renting from a private landlord - GOV.UK Homelessness Monitor \| Crisis UK \| Together we will end homelessness Equalities considerations for housing, homelessness, health and care (ihub.scot) The Unhealthy State of Homelessness \| Homeless Link East Sussex 2021 Census Briefing: Disability (eastsussexinfigures.org.uk) Annual Public Health Report 2019/20 - Health and Housing \| LGBT in Britain - Trans Report (2018) \| Stonewall 'Dispatches and RCM find that 99.7% of midwives have seen mothers who were homeless over the past six months' (Housing instability and adverse perinatal outcomes: a systematic review - PMC (nih.gov)). Pregnancy and Maternity-Related Discrimination and Disadvantage (publishing.service.gov.uk) Homelessness and domestic abuse spotlight - SafeLives In-her-shoes-young-womens-experiences-of-homelessness.pdf lgbt_in_britain_home_and_communities.pdf (stonewall.org.uk) Home - Armed Forces Covenant Homelessness among armed forces veterans in England rises by 14% \| Ministry of Defence \| The Guardian Homelessness in the Countryside Carers UK State of Caring 2023 (carersuk.org) Poverty in the UK: statistics - House of Commons Library Not heating, eating or meeting bills: managing a cost-of-living crisis on a low income \| Joseph Rowntree Foundation Seldom-heard voices: Adult literacy in the UK \| National Literacy Trust Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2023 - GOV.UK Tables on homelessness - GOV.UK East Sussex in Figures – Data Observatory – Welcome to East Sussex in Figures state-of-the-county-2024.pdf UK Parliament Post: Consumer Debt and Mental Health October 24 POST-PN-0732.pdf
Consultation meetings held with stakeholders: Heads of Service- Operational Management Team Meeting Homelessness Health and Support Group Mental Health and Supported Living Accommodation Board East Sussex Mental Health Oversight Board Mini East Sussex Housing Officers Groups Financial Inclusion Steering Group- Changing Futures Citizens’ Panel East Sussex Housing Partnership Board Disability Rights Representation Group East Sussex Inclusion Advisory Group Harm to Hope Partnership East Sussex Seniors Association	20/09/2024 24/09/2024 26/09/2024 27/09/2024 03/10/2024 07/10/2024 10/10/2024 11/10/2024 15/11/2024 18/10/2024 22/10/2024 07/11/2024 08/11/2024
Strategic Referral Partners including: Adult Social Care and Health Children’s Services District and Borough Housing Authorities NHS services including Primary Care; Acute and Community hospitals; Mental Health; Community teams, Rehabilitation services; Maternity and Health Visiting; Social housing providers Advice Agencies VCSE services including Carers' organisations; Age UK; hospices; Stroke Association; housing and homelessness agencies; drug and alcohol services; MARAC (domestic abuse services) Police Probation Jobcentre Plus Schools Care agencies Private letting agencies Family/friends

4. Prioritised Action Plan

NB: These actions must now be transferred to service or business plans and monitored to ensure they achieve the outcomes identified.

Impact identified and group(s) affected

Action planned

Expected outcome

Measure of success

Timeframe

Negative impacts identified in the EqIA above

Some of the negative impacts are expected to be mitigated through this action.

April – September 2025