Council and democracy

Housing-related support ('Supporting people' programme)

The supporting people programme provides the overall framework and funding for supported housing for many vulnerable client groups across Hertfordshire. It works through a commissioning body made up of district council housing authorities, primary care trusts, the probation service and Adult Care Services.

The board has implemented a five-year supporting people strategy, which informs our priorities in this area over the next three years.

These are to:

• Continue the review of existing services to ensure they are meeting both new and existing need
• Improve the awareness and integration of the supporting people programme in mainstream services to ensure the service benefits from joint planning, funding and delivery
• Review existing provision for older people with support needs and the frail elderly and ensure that appropriate services including community alarms and extra care housing are developed further
• Take forward proposals to develop accommodation for vulnerable young people in line with need
• Develop supported accommodation for people with mental health problems including mentally disordered offenders
• Address issues arising from the Audit Commission inspection in May 2006