Issue details

Housing Related Support

As part of the Council’s budget proposals consideration has been given to aims and responsibilities underpinning the Councils’ expenditure on Housing Related Support Services (HRS). These currently total £6.3 million per annum.

 

These services are delivered by multiple providers in a variety of forms across the County, the remit of which is to support individuals and families through services connected with their housing needs and provision and to support the prevention of homelessness.

 

Funding for HRS was originally provided through the ring fenced “Supporting People” grant from 2003.  This was subject to annual reductions until 2011 when the ring fence was removed.  Funding for these services is now met from the core County Council budget.  Some of the procured services enable the Council to fulfil statutory responsibilities and others are discretionary in nature.

 

The Council has decided that it must consider options for changing or removing investment in HRS so as to focus funds on areas of greatest benefit in relation to defined responsibilities. This has been undertaken by opening consultation to consider the impact on individuals and families, service providers and local strategic relationships, and the practical, statutory and legal implications of any change.  The evaluation of this impact is summarised in the report and provided in detail at Appendix one.   On the basis of this analysis it is proposed that the Council implements a measured approach to these changes, retaining commitments to discharge statutory duties and support the wider prevention agenda. 

 

For that purpose a budget of £2.3m is assessed as being appropriate.  This will result in a spending reduction of £4m, which will be implemented over two financial years to enable time to remodel services and explore impact mitigation.

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 08/11/2018

Decision due: December 2018 by Cabinet Member for Adults and Health

Lead member: Councillor Amanda Jupp amanda.jupp@westsussex.gov.uk

Contact: Mark Dow, Homeless Prevention Lead Email: mark.dow@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 27513.

Consultation process

District and Borough Councils/Voluntary Sector organisations/current providers

 

Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee – 12 December 2018

 

Representations should be made to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, via the officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

Democratic Services Contact: Erica Keegan Tel: 033 022 26050

Background3: Strategic Budget Options 2019/20

Decisions

Background papers

  • None