29 June 2007
Plans to improve services for vulnerable people must be backed by extra money, housing associations and councils have told ministers.
Responding to the government's revised Supporting People strategy, announced on June 21, the National Housing Federation called for annual funding to be restored to £1.8bn in this autumn's Comprehensive Spending Review and then pegged to inflation.
The federation also wants local authorities to have a statutory duty to provide housing-related support services. From 2008/09, selected councils will be able to fund services through general expenditure as part of Local Area Agreements.
Helen Williams, the federation's assistant director of neighbourhoods, said the government must stop 'snipping away' at the Supporting People budget and ensure that services are protected. 'The danger is that those with the most complex needs, or those who move between areas, will not get a look in,' she said.
London Councils said it was keen to work with the Department for Communities and Local Government to develop a new budget formula for local authorities. 'It is essential that government recognises the significant challenges faced in the capital,' said Stephen Carr, executive member for health and adult services.
A total of £7bn has been spent on about 1 million people since Supporting People was first launched four years ago. This year, the Department for Communities and Local Government is spending £1.7bn.
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