23/10/03 - £9.5m to give more independence to vulnerable people

Today, Cumbria County Council received confirmation of a £9.5m Government grant to give more independence to vulnerable people through the `Supporting People’ programme.  The vision of the programme aims to offer vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life by enabling them to live more independent lives in the community.  

Supporting People will provide housing related support services to older people with support needs, people with learning disabilities, people with mental health problems, people with physical or sensory impairment, homeless people, women at risk of domestic abuse, young people at risk, teenage parents, people with drug or alchohol problems, and offenders or people at risk of offending.

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says,

“I am pleased that the Supporting People Grant of £9.5m has been announced by the Government.  The grant will fund a range of housing related support services to help vulnerable people maintain a home in the community.  This support will include help with managing money and benefit claims, setting up and maintaining a home, personal safety and security and social skills.  We are working closely with District Councils and private landlords to enhance the quality of life and life chances for all vulnerable people.  

For example, Cumbria was one of the first councils to have an integrated commissioning strategy for people with learning disabilities.  A key policy objective within the strategy was to increase the number of people living in their own independent accommodation.  Over 200 people with learning disabilities are currently supported successfully in “ordinary” houses throughout the county. “

The Supporting People programme went live on 1stApril 2003 and gives local authorities responsibility for commissioning and funding support services based on a needs led framework.  Supporting People introduced a new system of planning, monitoring and funding for housing related support services, which will be flexible, cost-effective, reliable and complement existing care services.  It is intended to be a working partnership of local government, services users, health, probation and support agencies.

Supporting People provides an opportunity to enhance provision and build on excellent good practice locally.  It aims to break the link between support and tenure and encompasses previously marginalised and excluded groups to provide a flexible approach to the delivery of support.

Building on the `Supporting People’ legislation will enhance the quality of life for all vulnerable people, maximise independence, give more choice, and promote ordinary living opportunities and social inclusion.