Carl Sargeant, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Today I am launching a consultation on two documents; New Supporting People Programme Guidance and a revised Outcomes Framework for the Programme. The Supporting People Programme provides vital support to people at risk of homelessness and those who find themselves in very difficult circumstances. It helps some of Wales’ most vulnerable people to live independently in their own home or supported housing. I am proud that in Wales, unlike other parts of the UK, we have protected funding for another year, providing support for approximately 60,000 individuals and families.
Following the Aylward Review 2010 the Supporting People Programme Grant was created and guidance was published in 2012. The Programme introduced a collaborative approach to the governance of the Programme and regional working to support and advise local authorities.
Today’s revised Guidance has been developed in close collaboration with external partners; it highlights high level principles, such as a focus on prevention of homelessness, and clarifies governance arrangements. The document also reflects wider changes to Welsh Government policy and legislation. In particular the objectives contained within the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, Part 2 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
Development of the Outcomes Framework has taken account of the ‘Resilient Communities’ agenda and links between Supporting People and Housing Options work helping prevent homelessness. The Framework was also developed collaboratively with external partners and has a much stronger focus on each person receiving support.
The Framework also recognises the need to work more in line with the objectives of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, as well as other legislation listed above. We have sought to reduce the amount of data we collect, focussing more clearly on outcomes and ensuring data helps to demonstrate how well we are meeting the aims and objectives of this important Programme.
The Guidance and Outcomes Framework consultation document can be accessed via the following links:
https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/draft-supporting-people-programme-guidance-and-outcomes-framework
Consultation runs until 4th August 2017 and I look forward to considering feedback from stakeholders and interested parties.