Vulnerable People (Support) (Hansard, 17 May 2000)

§ Mr. Raynsford

Britain is fortunate in having an effective and valuable stock of supported and sheltered housing, providing much-needed help to people such as older people, the mentally ill, the disabled and those with drink and drug problems.

As with most services, things can always be improved. The Government value the supported housing sector and through "Supporting People" we want to improve how supported housing is funded to make sure the highest quality of services are given, in the areas it can be most effective.

The "Supporting People" programme offers vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life through greater independence. It promotes housing-related services which are cost-effective and reliable, and which complement existing care services. It is a working partnership of local government, service users and support agencies.

Users will benefit from the increased range and focus of support services that will be provided through the partnership of councils and support agencies under "Supporting People". The programme will raise the priority of support services and encourage councils to take a more strategic approach to provision, integrating it fully with social and health services, housing, neighbourhood renewal and community safety.

While stakeholders broadly welcomed "Supporting People" in initial consultation, there are many challenges to be faced, and many complex issues to be worked through.

Today I have published a short document, "Together towards 2003", with an Action Plan of clear goals that must be achieved in order to prepare for the full roll out of "Supporting People" in April 2003. These are: May 2000 Consultation paper on Phased implementation Consultation paper on Managing the changeover July 2000 Consultation paper on Administrative arrangements and decision-making processes Consultation paper on Charging for services October 2000 Consultation paper on Quality and monitoring 142W November 2000 Announcement on Phasing Initial guidance to local authorities on administration arrangements April 2001 Consultation on the principles of the Distribution Formula October 2001 The Complete Package of guidance on implementing "Supporting People". This will include guidance on administrative structures, financial arrangements, continuation arrangements, needs assessment methodology and supply assessment. It will ensure diversity and equality of service delivery and enable authorities to plan their resource allocation April 2002 First allocations to authorities based on the Distribution Formula, including transfer arrangements from current spending to new formula December 2002 Readiness review—this will provide data on the main problem areas which will inform the provision of additional guidance.

The process of implementation has started today with the publication of two short consultation papers on phased implementation and managing change. Implementing the programme is a demanding task, which can be effectively achieved only by drawing on the knowledge and experience of local authorities, registered social landlords and other providers of support services.

I want to reassure providers and users that there will be no sudden changes to the support services as a result of the shift to "Supporting People".

We will be providing advice and support to councils, agencies and users throughout the transition period through the publication of guidance, a series of conferences and a quarterly newsletter. We will be disseminating results from research, pilot projects and advisory groups. People will also be able to refer to a dedicated website and helpline for more advice.

I am placing the consultation papers and a summary booklet about "Supporting People" in the House Library. They are also available on the DETR website at www.supporting-people.detr.gov.uk.