Written Statement - Publication of the Final Report of the Review of the Supporting People Programme in Wales

I would like to draw the attention of Members to the publication of the report of an independent review of the Supporting People Programme in Wales.

In December 2009 I announced the Review. The review team, led by Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB, interviewed more than 250 people including service users, voluntary sector providers and representatives of local government and housing associations. The team examined a substantial body of evidence. It also considered the provision of Housing Related Support across the UK, Europe and the United States.

The report identifies that the Programme helps approximately 50,000 disadvantaged people every year, which includes some of the most vulnerable people in Wales. These are people who are at risk of losing their homes through issues such as domestic abuse, mental illness and offending behaviour.

Without the support provided by the Programme, many people would be at risk of losing their home, which could move them even further down a route of severe disadvantage.

The report concludes ‘The Supporting People Programme in Wales is highly regarded throughout the United Kingdom. There is compelling evidence that the Programme in Wales is providing commendable and sorely needed assistance, support and relief for the most vulnerable and disadvantage people who have either lost or are at risk of losing their homes.’

It is clear that the support provided by the Programme plays a very important part in reducing the demands on other public services, including the NHS and Social Services. It is also highly relevant to Social Justice and community safety.

It is also clear from the Review that there is a need for further improvements in order to ensure that the Programme meets the needs of the vulnerable people as efficiently as possible. The report makes twenty five recommendations, which cover issues such as:-

• Fair access to services across Wales;
• Increased collaboration between the voluntary sector and local government;
• Strengthening arrangements for commissioning and regulating services;
• Improved understanding of the effectiveness and value of services to the public purse.

I am now considering the Reports findings and recommendations and how these can be taken forward. I am grateful to Professor Aylward and his team for such a thorough Review.

The full report and an executive summary are available on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website.