Supporting People will provide support services to a wide range of vulnerable people. The Supporting People programme is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people have the opportunity to live more independently. Through working partnerships with local government, service users and support agencies, it promotes straightforward, cost-effective and reliable housing-related solutions which complement available care services and support independent living.
What are the aims of the programme?
The aim of the Supporting People programme is to improve the quality of support to vulnerable people. It will do this in several ways:
- Focusing provision on local need
- Improving the range and quality of services
- Integrating housing related support with wider local strategies
- Monitoring quality and effectiveness
- Introducing effective decision making and administration
The current system for providing support services is hampered by overlapping and complex funding streams. It does not meet the support needs of vulnerable people. There is no focus on the quality of service provided nor a structure to ensure money is spent on individual needs.
Currently services are more easily available to people in certain types of housing - we want support to be available for people no matter wherever they live - in a housing and support scheme, in a hostel, or in general housing, whether they are owner-occupiers or tenants.
There is no transparency in the way money is allocated. In many places there is no ownership of responsibility, or sensible planning of services - although some local authorities have already a planning and review system in place which works very effectively.
How will the programme help those people who need support?
The programme aims to offer vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their life through greater independence. For example Supporting People can help elderly people to remain in their own homes by funding visiting support services or help young people leaving care prepare for greater independence.
What does the programme include?
Supporting People includes the cost of support services in all sheltered housing, supported housing for people with mental health problems, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, women fleeing domestic violence, homeless people, teenage parents, young people at risk, travellers, ex offenders, drug treatment orders, and probation users. It also includes funding for Home Improvement Agencies (e.g. Care and Repair) and Community Alarm services.
How do people receive the payments they are entitled to?
From April 2003 the cost of support which, was formerly distributed through Housing Benefit, will be distributed directly to the support providers. Housing Benefit for support costs will no longer be paid to the client but will be paid directly to the support provider for them to provide the client with support.
Am I entitled to receive Supporting People Funding?
If you live in any of the above services or receive floating support AND are in receipt of Housing Benefit then you are eligible for the cost of your support to be paid under the programme.
How do I apply for Supporting People Funding?
You should speak to your service provider and they will help you to complete the relevant forms to apply for Supporting People funding. If they cannot help you then you should contact the Supporting People Team in your area.