Housing related support provides flexible services that enable vulnerable people to live independently. They also play a critical role in preventing homelessness and also reduce pressures on a wide range of other public services such as health and criminal justice. Local authorities have responsibility for assessing the need for housing related support, strategic planning and commissioning services.
Since 2003 a Welsh Assembly Government Grant Programme: Supporting People has been in place, which consists of two funding streams:
- Supporting People Grant (SPG) - administered by local authorities
- Supporting People Revenue Grant (SPRG) - administered by the Welsh Assembly Government
The WLGA is seeking changes to the current arrangements, which include the introduction of a needs based formula that will lead to more equitable distribution of supporting people funding across Wales. The WLGA is also pressing for the two funding streams to be combined and administered by local authorities. This will generate efficiencies, facilitate more coherent strategic planning and provide greater flexibility for authorities to commission high quality services.
An independent review of housing related support arrangements has been commissioned by the Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration which will conclude in October 2010.
For more information contact: Sue Finch