Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Sarah McCarthy, Policy, Information and Commissioning Senior Manager (Age Well), Dawn Astin, Service Manager (Housing Specialist PLOT), and Mike Alsop, Policy, Information and Commissioning Senior Manager (Age Well) from Lancashire County Council who presented an update about progress on the implementation of the Housing with Care and Support Strategy 2018-2025, which set out the county council's vision for extra care housing for older people and apartment developments for working age adults with disabilities. Officers were joined by
Diane Emmison, Supported Housing Manager from the Regenda Group, Katie Stanley, Scheme Manager at Lighthouse View in Fleetwood, and tenants.

Comments and queries from the committee were as follows:

·  It was clarified that for supported living schemes, different housing benefit opportunities covered the costs of rent for tenants which was managed by the district councils, although officers were aware of residents that worked and volunteered. The package of support was met by Lancashire County Council, each individual was financially assessed, and contributions were made depending on their income. On average, most apartment schemes were
£200-250 per week for rent, which was consistent with specialist accommodation, however, it was noted that this type of accommodation was at a higher level of rent than other sectors. Officers were in conversation with providers regarding the national issue of the rising cost of development and ensured that new schemes were affordable. 

·  Supported living schemes on average were 45-50 square feet, this was deemed to be more spacious and larger than previous options. Extra care schemes were also larger, some were two bedrooms apartments. Upkeep of the apartments were quality monitored and there was a ten year forward plan for replacements to maintain service standards.

·  In terms of service user allocation into extra care schemes, there were three priority groups:

1.  Who otherwise would have been in residential care;

2.  Eligible for care in terms of the Care Act, with either a commissioned care package or they opted for informal care; and

3.  Did not have an eligible need under the Care Act but would benefit from living in an extra care environment.

On the referral pathway, the decision was determined by a panel which consisted of the landlord, care provider, and social care representatives. Only need was considered, direct payments and funding were not taken into account. There was a waiting list, and this was referred to when there was a vacancy. Not all settings are suitable for individuals and in some circumstances, schemes were developed to meet needs.

·  It was explained that once all existing schemes had been developed and established, the officers would then look at demand with the district councils to see what next steps were needed for each district.

·  It was identified that there was a shortage of accessible accommodation, therefore officers were working with Adult Social Care and district councils to undertake a needs assessment.

·  There was no intention to retire anymore social care settings, although some residents may have been move into the schemes if it was considered to be more suitable for their needs. Lancashire County Council officers continued to work closely with officers from the district councils and discussed opportunities for land, including in the county council's assets.

·  On the provision of social care, there was a tender for an on-site provider, to provide 24/7 staff presence and emergency response. Tenants also had their own care package and had the option to choose the on-site provider or opt for a different provider. Currently, there were over 50 providers on an approved providers list.

·  It was anticipated that people participating in the Good Neighbour Scheme did not require social care.

·  On whether the change in provision would impact on workforce considerations, it was noted that it would not mitigate the need for staff as people's social care needs varied and would therefore need to be met. There were some efficiencies with apartment and larger scale schemes as less background and night staff were needed to provide cover.

Members thanked officers for their presentation.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The report be noted; and

  ii.  A further update on Housing with Care and Support Strategy be presented to the Health Scrutiny Committee in 18 months to review progress.