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Supporting People Programme

Answer

Since 2011, funding for local authorities (LAs) for Supporting People has been subsumed within the general grant to LAs. This is part of Government’s devolution policy, which allows LAs to manage funding according to local priorities. The Government believes this approach to local funding has proved successful in promoting increased freedom, flexibility, and local accountability, and has no plans to review it. Consequently, there has been no formal assessment of the impact of including Supporting People grant funding (or other formerly discrete grants) within the general grant.

A suitable home can help people stay independent for longer; reduce and delay care costs; and allow people’s needs to be met more effectively. The Disabled Facilities Grant supports people on low-income to adapt their homes. It forms a major part of the Better Care Fund, and funding has almost doubled from £220 million in 2015-16 to £431 million in 2017-18. In addition to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s work to build more supported housing, the Department of Health is also contributing through its Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund, which will build over 6,000 new homes at a total cost of around £200 million.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

HL1635

Session

2017-19

Subjects

Vulnerable adults Social services Supporting people programme

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk