Decision details

16.1       The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Adult Social Care and Health together with the comments of the People Scrutiny Committee Review Board.

16.2It was RESOLVED to –

1)    agree to use £1,212,000 of the additional 2018-2019 Government funding allocation of £1,616,000 to providecommunity based housing support services, as set out in the report,  and prioritise support to those with the highest level of need; and

2)    delegate to the Director of Adult Social Care and Health authority to take all necessary actions to give effect to the implementation of the above recommendations

Reason

16.3     The proposal to utilise £1,212,000 of the additional £1,616,000 to fundcommunity based housing support services is based upon the reach of services provided by STEPS and Home Works in terms of the number of people they support; the complexity and range of needs the visiting housing related support provides; and the prevention aspect of the housing support service which reduces the risk of people being in crisis. All of these issues were themes in both the consultation feedback and equality impact assessment.  In addition, Home Works provides a crucial ‘move-on’ service to help vulnerable people transition safely from other services into independence.

16.4     It is proposed that the budget is used to fund visiting housing support services as there is no other local provision of such services.  Whilst the Navigator service would cease, the number of older people who receive housing support can be maintained.  There would be a reduction in the number of working age people who would receive housing support and this would be quantified through discussion with providers.   

16.5     Alternative provision to be provided with the remaining funding will be designed with providers and key stakeholders including district and borough councils’ housing departments.  Future services will need to focus on those facing a crisis, those most at risk of destitution and preventing a more costly intervention.