Agenda item

This report describes the activities and findings of the Supported Housing Review and the steps required to take the project to its completion.  

Dan Hawthorn, Assistant Director for Regeneration, provided an overview of the activities and findings of the Supported Housing Review and the steps that would be required to take the project to its completion.

Gill Taylor, Project Manager (Supported Housing Review), provided further information via a presentation. The Panel was informed that supported housing was funded by two council departments, Housing and Social Care, and it was noted it was a preventative provision designed to reduce homelessness and social exclusion and address social care needs.

Ms Taylor explained:

-       The Supported Housing Review had commenced in January 2016 as a joint project between Adults and Housing.

-       The Review had been a project under Priority 5 of the Corporate Plan with clear links to Priorities 1 and 2.

-       The purpose of the review was to consider supply and demand, and the efficacy of support models and built environments for a range of client groups and service types.

-       Work in this area would complement and contribute to the Housing Strategy, Homelessness Delivery Plan and planned changes to aids and adaptations and day opportunities.

-       Phase 2 of the project concluded with the finalisation of an in-depth needs and gaps analysis report.

-       Phase 3 had seen a range of options generated with evidence gathering activities based around the identified gaps in provision.

-       Phase 4 would see the project to it’s conclusion by approval of it’s final recommendations, some of which required Cabinet approval (in March 2017).

During the discussion it was recognised, following the general election in 2015, that major changes in national housing, planning and welfare policy had been introduced. It was explained that this context had been recognised and a framework developed that sought to find relevant solutions amidst a changing housing and welfare landscape that had a significant impact on key strategic priorities.

In terms of findings, Ms Taylor explained that the Supported Housing Review had undertaken an in depth needs and gaps analysis, including a range of quantitative research activities, including but not limited to: population analysis, voids and utilisation performance, financial modelling, cross-borough benchmarking and performance monitoring analysis. It was noted that the aim of this was to create a baseline of numerical data about vulnerable individuals and services to compare the availability, quality and success of services for different groups.  

The Panel was informed that the review had prioritised engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. It was noted that the experiences, needs and insights of vulnerable residents and specialist staff had been central to the review’s findings. Elected members had also been engaged in the review via regular meetings, including the Panel’s Scrutiny in a Day session on older people and a dedicated Members working Group.

In response to questions, Ms Taylor highlighted that a number of universal issues and priorities had emerged from the review, including: 

-       Supported housing was highlighted as a cost effective resource that reduced and managed demand on a range of other acute and reactive housing and social care provision.

-       Despite the preventative intention of housing related support, it was clear that most people who accessed supported housing did so after a period of crisis rather than to prevent one.

-       Many of the supported housing delivery models that were in place had not changed for a long period of time and were no longer in line with best practice or the current or projected needs of vulnerable Haringey residents. This had resulted in an imbalance between the amount and type of housing support available and what was actually needed.

-       Aspirations for vulnerable people in supported housing was felt to be low, with limited options for increasing independence and inclusion and high rates of eviction, abandonment and repeat stays in supported housing for some client groups.

-       A lack of integration between housing support and social care services and strategies had led to inefficient use of resources both human and financial, with clear opportunities to find savings through improved practice. 

As well as the universal findings, the Panel was informed that four client groups had emerged as priorities. It was noted that data intelligence and insights from service users and stakeholders had identified a need to modernise, rebalance and strengthen the Council’s housing support offer to the following groups as a priority: Older People; Young People; Learning Disabilities; and Mental Health. Ms Taylor informed the Panel of the needs and gaps for each group, as outlined in section 4.18 of the report. 

In response to questions, and in view of the issues outlined above, Ms Taylor explained that it was proposed that a Housing Support Transformation Framework would be developed. It was noted that this would act as a driver for change in housing support commissioned by all areas of the Council. The Panel was informed that the framework would provide a set of underpinning principles and delivery recommendations to address issues and opportunities identified by the Supported Housing Review.

The Panel was informed that the proposed principles, set out in section 4.19 of the report, would be based on the following: Cross-cutting prevention; Community Inclusion; Integrating Support and Care; and Commissioning for the Future.

It was noted that the final recommendations of the Supported Housing Review would be considered by Cabinet in March 2017. The Panel was informed that once agreed, the principles above would guide the design and delivery of a refreshed housing support offer, initially for the four priority groups but moving forward these would also underpin commissioning for other relevant client groups.

To ensure supported housing tenants were informed, involved and assured of the Council’s commitment to meeting their needs, Ms Taylor concluded her presentation by informing the Panel that a Supported Housing Tenants Charter would be produced alongside the final recommendations.

Following the presentation, the Panel gave feedback that much of the change recommended for supported housing was obvious and overdue, with much of the discussion focussing on improving working practices in supporting older people. The Panel was also keen that sheltered housing tenants should be actively involved in shaping any changes to their service.

AGREED:

(a)  That the activities and findings of the Supported Housing Review be noted.

(b)  That the Panel’s comments, highlighted in the minutes above, be included in the Housing Support Transformation report to Cabinet in March 2017.