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Supporting People Enabling Unit Bulletin 2004-2008

SPEU Bulletin 21 (February 2008)

Abstract of February 2008 Bulletin

The comprehensive spending review. There are major implications for the funding and shape of housing support under the Government's recently announced Comprehensive Spending Review. Single Outcome Agreement. A Concordat has been entered into between the Government and COSLA. Under this Concordat local authorities will be required to develop and report on a Single Outcome Agreement.
Questions and answers on Supporting People. The Unit hears and responds to questions that have been asked by providers over the past two months.
Future of the Supporting People Enabling Unit. The SPEU has secured future funding up to April 2010 through the Housing Voluntary Sector Grants Scheme.
Use of the term "housing support". An explanation of the terminology of the housing support grant and the Scottish housing support fund.
Details of recent publications and research into Supporting People and housing support.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Unit Bulletin (February 2008)

SPEU Bulletin 20 (November 2007)

Abstract of November 2007 Bulletin

Preparing for the results of the comprehensive spending review . An announcement is expected to be made by the government later in November about the future of the Supporting People programme.
Service Review. There remains uncertainty for many providers of housing support as to future funding levels and whether or not they will be asked to enter into a full contract by their local authority.
Questions and answers on Supporting People. The Unit hears and responds to questions that have been asked by providers over the past two months.
Care Commission Inspection. Queens Cross Housing Association share their experience of taking part in the Care Commissions pilot of self assessment based inspection.
Vetting and Barring. The Scottish Government has published a consultation paper on vetting and barring.
The Crerar Review. Over the past year Professor Lorne Crerar has been investigating how public service organisations are scrutinised.and his report on the matter has now been published.
Information Commissioner. The Information Commissioner's Office has recently developed a framework code of practice for sharing personal information.
Procurement. The Scottish Procurement Directorate (SPD) issued guidance in October 2007 for public bodies about how they can legitimately consider social issues when developing a procurement procedure.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (November 2007)

SPEU Bulletin 19 (August 2007)

Abstract of August 2007 Bulletin

Preparing for the comprehensive spending review. The Scottish Executive has analysed information about the SP programme to present to ministers in the run up to funding decisions being made about national SP grant levels beyond March 2008. The Scottish Executive has looked at Cost Benefit Research conducted by Tribal HCH, the impact of efficiency savings analysed by GEN consulting and outcomes research analysed by DTZ. Craigforth has been commissioned to evaluate the outcomes framework pilot.
SP strategy in England. The Department of Communities and Local Government launched its latest Supporting People strategy document in June 2007.
Sector Skills Agreement. The Scottish Social Services Council, as part of the Sector Skills Council, Skills for Care and Development (SfCD), commissioned research during autumn and winter 2006 with employers and service users into current skill gaps and future skills needs in the social services sector's workforce.
Supporting People Charging Policies. A review of which councils have amended their charging policies in line with new CoSLA guidance on charging in order to bring SP funded services more in line with other social care services.
Impact of Supporting People funding changes on housing support providers. The SP Enabling Unit commissioned Tony Homer to undertake a piece of research into how providers of housing support have experienced the funding changes under Supporting People.
Questions and answers on Supporting People. The Unit hears and responds to questions that have been asked by providers over the past two months.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (August 2007)

SPEU Bulletin 18 (May 2007)

Abstract of May 2007 Bulletin

Procurement. Supporting People guidance from the Scottish Executive on procurement.
Piloting SP Outcomes. The Scottish Executive is deciding which local authority areas to carry out the SP outcomes pilot in.
Comprehensive Spending Review. The Scottish Executive is gathering information about the SP programme to present to ministers in the run up to funding decisions being made about national SP grant levels beyond March 2008.
Research. The SP Enabling Unit is currently analysing information from providers about SP funding levels, service levels and service costs since 2003/04.
Supporting People Client Statistics 2005 ¬2006. The Scottish Executive has recently published a report on national statistics derived from local authorities about numbers of service users of SP funded services in 2005/06.
Information sharing with local authorities. Some providers have voiced concern that local authorities ask for personal information about people using services funded by Supporting People. Particular concerns are being voiced amongst services working with women fleeing violence.
Care Commission. In this year's Annual Return the Care Commission is asking for details of names and salary levels of staff on behalf of the Scottish Executive.
Supporting People Charging Policies. Most councils are now amending their charging policies in line with new CoSLA guidance on charging in order to bring SP funded services more in line with other social care services.
Questions and answers on Supporting People. The Unit hears and responds to questions that have been asked by providers over the past two months.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (May 2007)

SPEU Bulletin 17 (March 2007)

Abstract of March 2007 Bulletin

Outcomes monitoring. The Scottish Executive will pilot a national outcomes monitoring tool.
Service reviews coming up to the 2007 deadline. Some local authorities will not meet the deadline. The SP Enabling Unit has made some recommendations to local authorities.
Care Commission. The Care Commission will be piloting a self assessment tool with housing support services from May 2007.
Inspections of RSL housing support only services. The Scottish Parliament has decided to reduce the minimum requirement to inspect RSL housing support only services from annual to 3 yearly.
Preparations for workforce registration. The SP Enabling Unit reports on current levels of housing support staff who do not meet the SSSC's full qualification criteria.
Supporting People in Wales. The Welsh Assembly has recently published research into the cost benefits of Supporting People in Wales.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (March 2007)

SPEU Bulletin 16 (January 2007)

Abstract of January 2007 Bulletin

Rhona Brankin is the new Communities Minister responsible for Supporting People. Local authorities may carry forward unspent SP into 2007/08
Research into the impact of funding changes. SPEU is working with CCPS and the SFHA to find out how providers have been affected by changes in their SP funding.
Supporting People service review. There have been delays in conducting service review which has affected providers' ability to plan for the future.
Supporting People decision makers within local authorities. A table outlining how local authorities administer their SP programmes.
Care Commission inspection 2007/08. The Care Commission has announced the areas it will be inspecting in 2007/08.
Notifying the Scottish Social Services Council. All social service workers must abide the SSSC's Codes of Practice.
Glasgow Community Care Providers Forum. Charlie Barker provides insight into the role of GCCPF in Glasgow.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (January 2007)

SPEU Bulletin 15 (November 2006)

Abstract of November 2006 Bulletin

Comprehensive spending review. At the SFHA conference on 26th September Stephen Sandham, Scottish Executive, spelt out the challenge that Supporting People faces as a national programme.
Evaluating Supporting People in Scotland. The Scottish Executive has responded to the comments it received to its SP Evaluation.
Unit Cost Research. The Scottish Executive has commissioned Tribal HCH to investigate and analyse the unit costs of services funded through the Supporting People grant.
Supporting People Contract. Some local authorities are asking providers to enter into full contracts. If you are wondering how to come to a decision about whether or not to sign up to the terms of the contract its worth having a look at the Model SP Contract Framework contained within the Scottish Executive's Supporting People Guidance.
Care Commission Update: question and answers. The Unit hears and responds to questions that arose during training days on regulation of housing support by the Care Commission.
Charging for housing support services. Councils have been issued new guidance by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) on charging for their services in order to create greater parity between the levels of charges the public face when using social care services.
Registration of the Housing Support workforce. Providers are preparing for registration of the housing support workforce. The Scottish Social Services Council Housing Support Qualification advisory group has concluded its work.
Supporting People in Wales. Providers in Wales have got together to develop an IT tool, called SPRINT, which will help them collate the information councils require of them for Supporting People purposes.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (November 2006)

SPEU Bulletin 14 (August 2006)

Abstract of August 2006 Bulletin

Continued Ringfencing for Supporting People in England. Phil Woolas, Minister for Local Government and Community Cohesion, has announced that councils in England will continue to be required to spend SP grant on housing support.
Council Tax Liability. Ministers have now made an announcement on what steps they are taking to end the local tax liability of certain individuals who reside in shared dwellings and in receipt of a housing support service.
Unit Cost Research. The Scottish Executive has commissioned research to investigate and analyse the unit costs of services funded through the Supporting People grant.
Care Commission Update. The Care Commission has safer recruitment as one of its themes for inspection in 2006/07.
SPEU Training. The Supporting People Enabling Unit is organising a series of events which will bring providers together to share their experiences of inspection and regulation of housing support.
Question and answers. The Unit hears and responds to questions that arose during training days on the SP Model Contract.
Update on Disclosure procedures. Local authority solicitors have been working on the Supporting People contract and have made amendments to the clauses which deal with Disclosure checks. Providers have expressed interest in the findings of the Bichard Investigation. The Scottish Executive has also responded to the Bichard Investigation and plans to introduce a new Vetting and Barring Scheme for people seeking work, whether paid or unpaid, with children or vulnerable adults.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (August 2006)

SPEU Bulletin 13 (June 2006)

Abstract of June 2006 Bulletin

Supporting People: Research, consultation and information. Supporting People First Report on Service Review Returns. The Scottish Executive has completed its analysis of returns made by local authorities in October 2005. The Unit has started a research project to investigate the provision of housing support and the impact of Supporting People funding in Scotland 2003-06.
Evaluation of Supporting People in Scotland. With the Spending Review planned for next year, the Scottish Executive is developing a strategy for evaluating the overall impact of the programme on people's lives.
Council Tax Liability. Over the past three years some people living in certain homes where a form of care is provided have become liable to pay council tax. The Scottish Executive has produced information on this.
Supporting People Contract. The Unit has been in contact with all local authorities to ascertain the progress being made on SP contracting.
Care Commission investigation of complaints. The Care Commission received 138 complaints about housing support services in 2005/06 and has completed 71 investigations.
Providers' experience of the Supporting people Programme. The SP Enabling Unit has completed a two year longitudinal project researching how well equipped providers feel in providing housing support services under the Supporting People Programme in a changing environment.
Question and answers. The Unit hears and responds to concerns expressed by a provider who is worried by certain requests being made of them by local authorities, and a worker wishing to make information requests to its local authority as well as other issues.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (June 2006)

SPEU Bulletin 12 (April 2006)

Abstract of April 2006 Bulletin

Numbers of people using SP services in 2004/05. The Scottish Executive's recently published statistical bulletin shows an increase from 140,207 people in 2003/04 to 170,584 in 2004/05.
Impact monitoring of funding changes. The first round of local authority returns have now been analysed and reported on by the Scottish Executive.
Evaluation of Supporting People in Scotland. With the Spending Review looming next year, the Scottish Executive is developing a strategy for evaluating the overall impact of the programme on people's lives.
Charging for SP services. The Unit has been finding out more about how local authorities are going to operate given that CoSLA has urged them to revise their charging policies.
Scottish Directory of Housing Support Services. The House Key was launched earlier this year and the Unit has been hearing about the latest steps being taken to develop it further.
Care Commission inspections 2006/07.The Care Commission is getting ready for its second round of inspections of housing support services.
Benchmarking in England. Providers in England have been taking part in the new benchmarking system which SITRA and the NHF have developed.
Housing Support workforce registration. The Unit recently delivered a series of seminars in conjunction with the SSSC and the Workforce Unit. Providers concerns and contributions have been recorded as well as the latest news from the SSSC about the timescales for registration of housing support staff.
Question and answers. The Unit hears and responds to concerns expressed by an advocate trying to help reinstate a support package as well as providers who are worried by certain requests being made of them by local authorities.
Training.Training events on SP Contracts are being delivered in May, June and July by the Unit and Roadshows around the country are being delivered by the Workforce Unit.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (April 2006)

SPEU Bulletin 11(February 2006)

Abstract of February 2006 Bulletin

Charging for Supporting People services. From 1 April 2006 revised guidance for local authorities is set to come into force.
Impact of Supporting People. The Scottish Executive is currently analysing the first set of reports on local authorities service review. Tribal consultants appointed to research the cost benefits of Supporting People in Scotland.
Supporting People Model Contracting Framework. Moves underway to revise aspects of the contract so that it reflects providers' need to comply with Disclosure Scotland's Code of Conduct.
Supporting People in England. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has launched a consultation document to help inform the strategy for Supporting People in England.
Technology in the home: West Lothian's approach. Feature on the provision of telecare technology in West Lothian that helps vulnerable people live independently in their own homes.
Care Commission. The fees charged by the Care Commission for housing support providers will be frozen at current levels for 2006/07 and fees for care homes will be reduced by 10%.
Workforce Registration Issues. An update from the Scottish Social Service Council.
Questions Time. The most common questions put to the Unit from October 2005 ¬ January 2006.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (February 2006)

SPEU Bulletin 10 (November 2005)

Abstract of November 2005 Bulletin

Spending Review. It has been announced that the spending review in Scotland has been put back to summer 2007.
Service Review. Information is being gathered on the process of service review, bench marking costs and the outcomes of Supporting People.
Impact of Supporting People. Aspire Housing and Development Services highlights how its Supporting People funded project has assisted people in the community.
Supporting People Research. A summary of the SP Enabling Unit's latest research into how providers are dealing with cost recovery, service review relationships with local authorities and Care Commission inspection.
Questions Time: Care Commission. The most frequently asked questions put to the Care Commission during training sessions on Care Commission inspection.
Workforce Registration Issues. An update from the Scottish Social Service Council.
New Publications
Research Report: Supporting People? The impact of changes to Supporting
People funding on services to homeless people in Scotland.
National Strategy for the Development of the Social Service Workforce in Scotland: A Plan for Action 2005 - 21010
Crossing the Continuum: Understanding routes out of homelessness and examining what works: PATHE Project Final Report
Value added: Small providers and Supporting People

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (November 2005)

SPEU Bulletin 9 (September 2005)

Abstract of September 2005 Bulletin

Additional Supporting People funds. The Scottish Executive has now advised local authorities of additional grant for 2005/06.
Service Reviews. Work is being done to minimise duplication of information for different regulating bodies.
Care Commission. Training on preparation for Care Commission inspection has been carried out.
What is happening in England? The future of SP in England.
Questions Time: Supporting People. The most frequently asked questions on Supporting People including claw back, disclosure, service for those without a tenancy and key performance indicators.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (September 2005)

SPEU Bulletin 8 (July 2005)

Abstract of July 2005 Bulletin

Care Commission. Parliament has now passed an Amendment Order which reinstates the link between Supporting People Funding and registration with the Care Commission. This will not impact on supported lodgings/adult placement services at the moment as they are not yet required to register with the Care Commission. Scottish Ministers have been granted the power to allow the Care Commission to inspect services less frequently than annually through the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill.
Service Reviews. Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Communities, has agreed to postpone the date by which all Supporting People services must be reviewed from March 2006 to 2007. There is also a rough guide for providers on preparing for service review including information on timing, processes and outcomes.
Scottish Social Services Council. The Supporting People Enabling Unit submitted a response to the SSSC's consultation on the registration of the housing support workforce.
Supporting People Service Directory. The Scottish Executive is working with the Elderly Accommodation Council to develop an online directory of housing support services.
A provider's experience of Supporting People. Quarrier's perspective
Training. The unit has collaborated with the Chartered Institute of Housing on a course to help service managers prepare for inspection by the Care Commission. The Unit has set up a course for staff and supervisors to complement this.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (July 2005)

SPEU Bulletin 7 (May 2005)

Abstract of May 2005 Bulletin

Service Reviews. The Minister is considering extending the completion date for service reviews to 2007. One local authority has decided to enter into full contracts with providers before completing its service review procedure. Service review guidelines are being revised by the Scottish Executive.
Supporting People: helping 140 207 people. The information submitted to local authorities about services delivered in 2003/04 has been published by the Scottish Executive.
Care Commission. The care Commission wishes to raise awareness amongst housing support staff of the National Care standards and the role of the Care Commission inspection process. Housing support services will be inspected for the first time this year.
Providers' experience of the Supporting People programme. The Supporting People Enabling Unit has surveyed providers to find out their views on service capacity, funding, contracts, service review and supporting people forums.
Scottish Social Services Council. The SSSC is currently consulting with staff, providers and service users about the qualification and registration of housing support workers.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (May 2005)

SPEU Bulletin 6 (March 2005)

Abstract of March 2005 Bulletin

1. SP Grant Allocation. The allocation figures for 2005/06 may be amended due to the Scottish Executive's commitment to offer unclaimed pipeline funding. The service review process is to be reviewed. The Scottish Executive has met with representatives from local authorities, CoSLA, providers, the Unit and the Care Commission. The meeting was chaired by Alisdair MacIntosh, Head of Division responsible for Regeneration, Fuel Poverty and Supporting People.
2. Model Contract Framework. The Local Authority Solicitor's Group have finalised the core clauses of the Supporting People contract.
3. Scottish Social Services Council. No date has been set for the introduction of the registration of the housing support workforce. Wendy Johnston of the SSSC, will consult with staff, providers and service users about the qualification and registration of housing support workers.
4. Sheltered Housing. The Scottish Federation of Housing Association's has produced a discussion paper entitled "Sheltered Housing's Future".
5. Direct Payments. As of 1 April 2005 older people will be able to use direct payments and the Scottish Executive will issue draft guidance in March for consultation.
6. Freedom of Information. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force in January 2005.
7. Crossing Local Authority Boundaries. Some providers are facing problems assisting service users moving to another area. The Scottish Executive issued guidance on this and local authorities are planning to draft a protocol which will help them in such situations.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (March 2005)

SPEU Bulletin 5 (January 2005)

Abstract of January 2005 Bulletin

1. Funding Announcement. The Supporting People grant allocation 2005/06-2007/08 has been announced by the Minister for Communities, Malcolm Chisholm MSP. Full details of the distribution formula were provided in November.
2. Contracts. The Local Authority Solicitors Group is nearing completion of its task of agreeing Core Clauses.
3. Supporting People in England. The office for the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has announced funding allocations for England. The Distribution Formula has not dictated the allocations for 2005/06. An ODPM report has outline some of the benefits realisation of Supporting People.
4. Service Review. Local authorities, including Renfrewshire and Falkirk, are now drawing up Service Review Programmes. David Lyon, Area Manager of Blue Triangle (Glasgow) Housing Association, Paisley project, has recently been through a Service Review process.
5. Care Commission. The Care Commission invited organisations to comment on its proposed Pre-inspection Documentation. The Care Commission is currently carrying out 28 pilot inspections of services. Liz Norton gave the Care Commission's view on service registration and the perceived "inextricable link" between the support and accommodation.
6. Scottish Social Services Council. Wendy Johnston, newly appointed as Project Officer, Housing at the SSSC, outlines the approach that will be adopted to scope the task of registering the housing support and care at home workforce. The project has a Short Life Working Group, chaired by Professor Cherry Rowlings
7. Disclosure Scotland. There are 3 types of Disclosures available under the Disclosure Scotland Service: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. Applications for standard or enhanced disclosures must be countersigned by a registered body. The Central Registered Body in Scotland (CRBS) provides free police checks for some volunteers. Legislation that affects disclosure includes; The Rehabilitation Of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2003;The Regulation Of Care(Scotland) Act 2001; The Protection Of Children(Scotland) Act 2003.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (January 2005)

SPEU Bulletin 4 (October 2004)

Abstract of October 2004 Bulletin
1. Funding Announcements. Malcolm Chisolm has taken over from Margaret Curran as Minister for Communities. The funding for housing support services for 2005/2008 has been announced. There has been an overall reduction in funding. A new distribution formula has been devised to distribute funds across Scotland. Some areas will need help in managing the change in funding and so transitional support may be available. Service reviews will be used to see if efficiency savings can be made and guidance will be issued on this. Supporting People in England also faces a cut and is moving towards a distribution formula
2. National Review: Supporting People Programme in Scotland. Pricewaterhouse Cooper were commissioned to research the Supporting People programme in Scotland. Their report - Analysis of Funding Arrangements for Supporting People - presents financial information showing how local authorities have spent Supporting People money. The report also deals with cost comparison between services.
3. Future Registration of the Housing Support Workforce. The Scottish Social Services Council provided information on the registration of housing support workers and the qualifications staff will be required to possess.
4. Care Commission Update: Testing the Inspection Process. The Care Commission has developed an initial inspection framework for housing support and care at home services and pilot inspections will be carried out in November and December 2004.
5. Supporting People: Contract Framework and Guidance. The Scottish Executive issued a document entitled: Supporting People Contracting Framework and Guidance (First Draft) in September 2004. The Unit organised four regional consultation events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Inverness. The results of these events were submitted to the Scottish Executive and a second draft of the Contract Framework is due in November.
6. Regional Events. The Unit is organising half day events in early December 2004 to help providers access up to date information. It is likely that topics will include service review, contract development and regulation and inspection and that the events will take place in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (October 2004)

SPEU Bulletin 3 (July 2004)

Abstract of July 2004 Bulletin

Supporting People: Review at National and Local Level
The Office for the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) commissioned Matrix Research and consultancy to produce a report on Supporting People. As a result of the report entitled Supporting People: Review and Development of the Policy and Costs of Housing-Related Support Since 1997, the ODPM has decided to develop a distribution formula to determine grant allocation in England. The ODPM has worked on a submission to go into the Spending Review.
National Review in Scotland
Three MSPs will negotiate the final sum for Supporting People for 2005/2006. An update is provided on the work of the reference group set up to oversee the national review.
Remaining Funding Decisions 2004/2005
An announcement has been made on funding for Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire Councils but decisions about new pipeline projects for 2004/2005 are still awaited and Communities Scotland are not able to agree capital funding for projects that include housing support unless a local authority can confirm funding.
Supporting People Contract Values 2004/2005
Some local authorities plan to offer an up lift in 2004/2005. Go to the bulletin for an update on the current position for each local authority.Supporting People Forums
Providers across Scotland have found supporting people forums and conferences to be a useful way of finding information and meeting with others and have made a real effort to use them effectively.
News from the Care Commission
By early June 2004 approximately 500 service providers had not complied with stage two of the registration process. The Care Commission will start inspecting housing support services in 2005 and is working on an inspection pilot scheme.
Training
More training is becoming available for those involved in housing support. This includes training on capacity building, contracts and moves towards SVQs.
Monitoring Quality in England
In England local authorities are responsible for maintaining standards and accrediting organisations. The quality and monitoring framework has been developed to help determine quality and effectiveness of service.
Service Review in Scotland
The extent to which local authorities have undertaken Service reviews varies across the country.
Full Contracting Framework: Update
The Scottish Executive aims to produce a Full Contract Framework in October 2004 for consultation. This will include core clauses and variable clauses as models for LAs to use. Pat Bagot of the Scottish Executive has issued further information on the use of letters of agreement and interim contracts.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (July 2004)

SPEU Bulletin 2 ( May 2004)

Abstract of May 2004 Bulletin

Supporting People: Into Year 2
Local authorities reconcile spend in 2003/2004 whilst a National Review gets underway. Pricewaterhouse Coopers will produce a final report in mid May.
Moving Towards Full Contracts.
The Scottish executive has received the final report from their consultant, Strategies for Training, on Full Contracts. The report makes recommendations about full contracts, interim contracts, letters of agreement and core clauses.
News From The Care Commission.
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Payments of Grants for Housing Support Services) (Amendment) Order 2004 allows some housing support services to be funded by Supporting People without being registered with the Care Commission. The Commission has announced they will waiver continuation fees for 2004/2005.
One Year On - provider's experience of the Supporting People Programme.
Results of the Unit's research outlines providers' views on communication, partnership working, training, information flow and confidence levels in implementing the Supporting People programme.
Administration Associated With Supporting People.
Many providers have highlighted the reports, forms, data collection and general information required by Supporting People teams as a major issue.

[PDF] Supporting People Enabling Bulletin (May 2004)

SPEU Bulletin 1 (March 2004 )

Abstract of March 2004 Bulletin

Supporting People Its Impact On Services
Some housing support providers have expressed concern about their ability to maintain current service capacity. Issues raised include void allocation, staffing and administration costs, costs relating to regulatory changes and registration fees.
Future Funding
Supporting People grant figure for 2004/2005 announced as £408 million. The Scottish Executive is undertaking a review of the use of the Supporting People grant in 2003/2004. The review will be overseen by a Reference Group for the Review of Supporting People Services and all 2004/2005 pipeline projects will be included in the review.
Contracts
The approach to contract development varies across Scotland. Some authorities are seeking to develop integrated contracts based on existing contractual arrangements for social care projects. By 2006 and following a service review, all areas should have replaced interim contracts and letters of agreement with full contracts.
Registration and Inspection of Housing Support Services
Communities Scotland has commissioned research on Regulation and Registered Social Landlord (RSL) Information Requirements. Oatway Solutions will undertake the research. A Memorandum of Understanding had been drafted between the Care Commission and Communities Scotland.
Regulation of Registered Social Landlords
On 1 April 2002 the Care Commission became responsible for the registration and inspection of care services in Scotland. Housing support services will be inspected according to set housing standards, between April 2004 and April 2005.
The Supporting People Enabling Unit
The Supporting People Enabling Unit has been established. The Unit has a website and is undertaking a survey of providers' confidence levels.

Supporting People Enabling Unit Bulletin (March 2004)

Housing Support Enabling Unit