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NEWS AND POLICY UPDATE:

Spring 2007

Information for the providers and commissioners of housing related services for older and disabled people

HOUSING

  • THE STATE OF THE HOUSING STOCK – EMERGING PICTURE AND NEW REPORTS
    With the last ever full English House Conditions Survey (EHCS) report due out shortly and the recent publication of three reports (1) about progress in meeting the Decent Homes Standard, a mixed picture is emerging of the quality of the housing stock.

    The January 07 Headline Report of the EHCS identifies a reduction in the number of non-decent homes from 9.1m in 1996 to 6m in 2005. It also reports that the housing conditions of vulnerable private sector households have improved significantly, with 66% now living in decent homes compared with 43% in 1996. However, this still leaves 1.1m vulnerable households living in non decent, private sector properties where progress towards the Decent Homes Standard has been slower than in the social rented sector (where £20 billion of investment has made a significant difference). The worst concentration of non-decent housing remains in the private rented sector. The main reason for a property failing the Decent Homes Standard is thermal comfort, and it would appear that addressing this shortcoming has had one of the largest impacts on reducing the number of non-decent homes.

    Our analysis in 2006 of the 2004 EHCS data revealed an ongoing over-representation in poor housing of people over 75, BME groups and long term residents plus a slower rate of improvement where a property failed the Decent Homes Standard on a greater number of criteria. What remains to be seen is the impact that the assessment of a property using the Housing, Health and Safety Rating Scheme will have on future analysis of housing standards trends. (1) English House Conditions Survey www.communities.gov.uk/ehcs, Assessment of implementing decent homes in the social sector www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1506344, Assessment of the impact of warm front on decent homes for private sector vulnerable households www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1506307

  • HOUSING MINISTER SETS OUT VISION FOR NEXT DECADE – MINUS OLDER PEOPLE?
    At a recent high profile “Next Decade” lecture about future housing policy, Communities and Local Government Minister Ruth Kelly said that building more homes and enabling more tenants to build up a stake in their homes should be the central goals for future housing policy. She also indicated that investment in the Decent Homes programme to meet the target of bringing all social rented housing up to standard by 2010 remained a spending priority. In her speech the Minister did not mention housing and the ageing of the UK population – a key factor in the Comprehensive Spending Review. Yet 30% of households are headed by an older person, and ageing is one of the main reasons for the rise in housing demand. Hopefully the publication of the Government’s ‘Housing Strategy for an Ageing Society’ in the summer will help to redress the balance. www.fabian-society.org.uk/press_office/news_latest_all.asp?pressid=598

  • HOME ADAPTATIONS – CHANGES AHEAD
    The Government’s consultation paper on the future provision of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) includes proposals for significant changes in the short, medium and longer term, many of which are to be welcomed if they bring about service improvements. Reform of the means test, repayment of grant and the ending of the ringfence of the DFG allocation to local authorities could all have far reaching consequences for disabled people. However, the level of resources available for DFG remains a major determinant of whether adaptation needs are met and underinvestment in DFG was identified as a key issue in the original independent review of the system. It is thus crucial that the value of adaptations to the agendas of independence, health and well-being are conveyed to those making decisions about the Comprehensive Spending Review. Anyone concerned with the provision of DFG can still comment on the proposals before 13th April. www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1505528 Care & Repair England Briefing www.careandrepair-england.org.uk/pdf/briefing_on_dfg_consultation_jan07.pdf

  • ENDS AND MEANS: THE FUTURE ROLES OF SOCIAL HOUSING IN ENGLAND
    This report aims to address the fundamental question of who social housing is for and what role it plays now and in the future. Whilst it provides an interesting overview of the sector, for those interested in housing and older people there is surprisingly little reference to demographic change and its housing implications. One age related fact that does emerge is the much higher satisfaction with their current home expressed by older tenants compared with younger people and the stark figure that 40% of social renters say that this is their preferred tenure, compared with 8% of private tenants. www.lse.ac.uk/collections/pressAndInformationOffice/
    newsAndEvents/archives/2007/JohnHillsSocialHousingReport.htm

  • MAJOR CHANGES TO HOUSING AND REGENERATION DELIVERY
    The Housing Corporation, English Partnerships and various programmes, including neighbourhood renewal pathfinder and decent homes, will come together under Communities England within 2 years. Whilst debate about the operation of the new housing and regeneration ‘super agency’ is ongoing, including the possible incorporation of Supporting People, it is understood that housing for older people and supported housing will remain a key component. Housing Corporation Chief Executive, Jon Rouse has recently announced that he is leaving to take up a new post as Chief Executive of LB Croydon. www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2334

  • EQUITY RELEASE – TWO NEW REPORTS
    The Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP) has published a detailed analysis of the comparative value of different types of equity release schemes. It concludes that whilst schemes appear to be priced on a fair basis, downsizing to a cheaper home is generally the most cost effective option, followed by a standard lifetime mortgage, whilst the most expensive is likely to be a home reversion. www.fs-cp.org.uk/ct_research_consumer.html Joseph Rowntree Foundation recently published the report ‘Obstacles to Equity Release’ which examines the barriers faced by low income, asset-rich home owners to drawing on the equity in their homes. Proposals include amending the Pension Credit legislation concerning payment of interest on loans which brings the definition of ‘essential’ work into line with Decent Homes Standards, disregarding £3,000 pa of equity release with regard to welfare benefits and improving provision of information, advice and support. www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/details.asp?pubID=828

  • SUPPORTING PEOPLE NATIONAL OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK CLOSE TO COMPLETION
    The final phase of testing a new SP Outcomes process will run during April 07. The form and guidance will then be finalised with the aim of having the final package in place nationally by the end of May 07. www.spkweb.org.uk

  • QUARTER OF OLDER PEOPLE STILL HAVE MORTGAGE DEBT
    New research from Key Retirement Solutions found that people in or approaching retirement who had not yet paid off their home loan owed an average £31,000. The average mortgage debt amongst those aged 60 to 64 yrs was £23,512, £29,342 for 65 to 69-year-olds and £37,113 for people over the age of 70. National charity Credit Action has expressed concern that this is a trend which is likely to get worse as people borrow more, borrow for longer and save less. www.keyrs.co.uk/about-key/press-office/press-releases/are-uk-pensioners-heading-towards-a-98-billion-mortgage-debt-time-bomb-in-retirement

  • DOMESTIC GAS SAFETY CHANGES
    The Health and Safety Executive will take the lead in the reformation of the gas installer registration scheme and a drive to raise public awareness of gas safety. A bidding process will open shortly. www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/safetyreview.htm

  • BUILDING SKILLS SHORTAGE
    The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has reported that 77% of building sector employers surveyed had had problems recruiting during 2006, particularly at management/craft/trade level. www.ciob.org.uk/resources/research

  • REGENERATION AND RENEWAL AWARDS
    This new award scheme is open to individuals, organisations and partnerships involved in regeneration or renewal work. There are 23 award categories. Closing date: 4th May. www.haymarketevents.com

  • CABE AUDIT FINDS NEW BUILD HOUSING IS OF LOW QUALITY
    In a recent audit of housing built in England over the past 5 years CABE, the Government’s advisory body on architecture and the built environment, found a very low standard of design. Only 18% was ‘good’ or ‘very good’ and 29% was of such a low standard that it should not have been given planning consent.http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=673&field=sitesearch&term=CABE%20Audit&type=0

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE NEWS

  • TWO THIRDS OF SOCIAL SERVICES ONLY MEETING CRITICAL OR SUBSTANTIAL NEEDS
    The State of Social Care in England 2005/06, a comprehensive annual overview of the sector published by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, reveals that only a minority of councils are now meeting needs which are below ‘substantial’ and fewer people are receiving care services. This means that an increasing number of older and disabled people are either having to find and pay for their own private care, rely on family or friends, or do without support until their situation becomes critical. There is little evidence of progress towards the national policy objective of increasing prevention. www.csci.org.uk/about_csci/press_releases/families_take_the_strain_as_co.aspx

  • HEALTH IMPACTS – A STRATEGY ACROSS GOVERNMENT
    Improving the health of the whole population and reducing health inequalities, particularly for those with the poorest health, should be an objective for the whole of government according to this new report published by the independent Council for Science and Technology. The report makes recommendations on how all government departments can incorporate health issues when developing and delivering policies. www.cst.gov.uk/cst/reports/files/personal-information/csthealthimpacts.pdf

  • OPERATING FRAMEWORK FOR THE NHS SETS OUT PRIORITIES AND TARGETS
    ‘Reducing health inequalities and promoting health and well-being’ is one of the four priorities that the Dept of Health has set for the NHS. The Framework stresses the need for PCTs to work with Local Authorities to achieve this priority alongside the shift towards prevention.

    Understanding the drivers for NHS services is essential for those seeking to develop joint working arrangments and this short report provides an invaluable overview for those both inside and outside the NHS.
    http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/
    PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_063267

  • HOUSING GETS A MENTION IN NEW HEALTH AND WELL-BEING COMMISSIONING FRAMEWORK
    The Commissioning Framework for Health and Well-being has been published for consultation. In line with the White Paper ‘Our health, our care, our say,’ it aims to promote the shift towards preventative rather than acute services. When launching the paper, Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Health, specifically referred to adaptations. Whilst the report mentions use of NHS funds for crisis avoidance and intervention for people at risk of falls through provision of aids and adaptations, and cites an example of a heating improvement project, there is no mention of a more comprehensive housing related assessment and links eg. with the Housing, Health and Safety Rating Scheme.
    http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/
    PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_072604

  • JOINING UP LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HEALTH
    The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill, which follows on from the Local Government White Paper, is now progressing through Parliament. It will place a legal duty of partnership on LAs, PCTs and other service providers obliging them to co-operate. A CSIP briefing note provides a helpful summary of the changes ahead and potential implications. www.icn.csip.org.uk/nl/?l=28_1_1_1

  • BREAKDOWN BETWEEN ONE LOCAL AUTHORITY AND PCT – JOINING UP IN ANOTHER
    Council leaders in the London Borough of Brent are considering taking the local PCT to court following its decision to withdraw funding for long-stay NHS patients who move to the community. This is almost the same scenario which led to a breakdown of relationships between Social Services and the PCTs in Wiltshire. In contrast, Herefordshire Council is planning to fully merge with the local PCT to create the first combined public service trust. www.communitycare.co.uk

  • A RECIPE FOR CARE – NOT A SINGLE INGREDIENT
    People over 65 occupy 65% of acute hosptial beds and account for use of 43% of the NHS total budget, but existing services were not designed for this demographic profile of patients. This short report by the Dept of Health’s National Director for Older People sets out the challenge of reconfigureing health services to meet the needs of older people. It puts forward a five point plan to change services for the better; early intervention, long-term conditions management, early supported discharge, acute hospital care when needed and partnership working. Whilst not mentioning the key role of housing in achieving the aim of delivering health and social care “at or closer to home”, the important role of handyperson services in a falls prevention programme is described in a case study. www.dh.gov.uk/publications

  • MORE MONEY FOR MINOR ADAPTATIONS/ESSENTIAL SMALL REPAIRS SCHEME IN WALES
    £2m has been allocated to the Welsh RRAP scheme which promotes faster hospital discharge/ admission prevention. The possibility of a similar initiative in England was put forward in the DFG consultation (see above) and the potential health cost benefits of such schemes are being considered in more detail. Care & Repair England has submitted a joint Comprehensive Spending Review submission in support of handyperson services in partnership with Help the Aged, Age Concern England and Foundations. www.careandrepair-england.org.uk

MONEY

  • OLDER PARENTS FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING THEIR OFFSPRING FOR LONGER
    45% of over 50 year olds are still supporting their children financially, with almost one in ten (9%) expecting to do so after they reach 60yrs. Research by Engage Mutual Assurance suggests that university fees, the rising costs of living and high house prices mean that young people are finding it increasingly difficult to gain financial independence. www.engagemutual.com/3GB.

  • THE BUDGET
    Efficiency, a shift of resources to front line services and a tight 07 Comprehensive Spending Review were again emphasised in this Budget. For the third sector, there will be £80m for grass roots community organisations, to be distributed over 4 years by local grant makers (details to follow), and the 2008 -2011 phase of Futurebuilders criteria will be widened. There were few announcements specifically affecting older people that had not been previously reported. The changes to personal taxation in 2008 will impact on older people, including the ending of the 10% lower tax rate, but the introduction of a higher personal tax allowance for those over 65 yrs aims to reduce the number of pensioners paying tax. The housing market is an increasing generator of income, with stamp duty receipts up from £10.9b in 05-06, anticipated £13.4b for 06-07 and £14.3b in 07-08. www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

  • COUNCIL TAX REBATE INSTEAD OF COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT?
    The Lyons Inquiry into the future role, function and funding of local government has published its final report - Place-shaping: a shared ambition for the future of local government. One of the recommendations is to improve the fairness of council tax for pensioners, recognising that council tax benefit is a rebate not a benefit, automating the system to ensure higher take up and raising the savings limit for pensioners to £50,000 www.lyonsinquiry.org

  • LLOYDS TSB FOUNDATION 2007 PROGRAMMES ANNOUNCED
    The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales has published its priorities and funding guidelines for 2007. There are both national and regional programmes. Older people are mentioned as a priority group for funding in the Eastern, East Midlands, West Midlands, North East and North West regional programmes. www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk

  • FINAL ROUND OF PEOPLE’S MILLIONS GRANTS FROM BIG LOTTERY
    Community groups have until 17th May to submit applications for this funding source which aims to improve quality of life through changing the local environment or provide opportunities for enjoying that environment. www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

  • HELP FROM ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
    The RBL are offering a range of services as part of their focus on supporting beneficiaries to live independently in their own homes. These include a new Lifeline service as well as financial and other help for anyone with a services link. RBL is working with a number of home improvement agencies to pilot joint provision of handyperson services. www.britishlegion.org.uk

  • DISABILITY RIGHTS HANDBOOK – NEW EDITION
    A fully updated edition of the handbook, which covers all aspects of welfare benefits and services for disabled people of all ages, will be available in May (£20 incl p&p). www.disabilityalliance.org

NEWS

  • ART COMPETITION FOR AMATEUR ARTISTS OVER 60
    Entries are invited by 11th May for this year’s Elderly Accommodation Over 60s Art Awards competition. Prizes are worth £3,000 and winning entries are exhibited in a prestigious London gallery. So why not encourage someone you know to enter. Download info at www.artawards.eac.org.uk or send sae to: Art Awards c/o Parker Harris Partnership, 15 Church Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8QS.

  • OLDER PEOPLE GETTING THINGS DONE: INVOLVEMENT IN POLICY AND PLANNING INITIATIVES
    The involvement of older people in planning and evaluating services is high on the policy agenda. This study examines how and why older people became involved in a number of initiatives, exploring key issues and drawing out good practice from the case studies (which include a scheme to provide repair and maintenance services and an initiative to design a house for older people). www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/eBooks/9781859354575.pdf

    For anyone wanting to reflect on what is really meant by involvement of older people and how this can be meaningful, Counsel and Care have published a thought provoking guide to the wider topic – ‘Meaningful and Effective Involvement of Older People’ (£15). Order from www.counselandcare.org.uk/influence/publications/

  • COMMISSION FOR EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS (CEHR)
    From 1st October 07 the CEHR will replace the existing equality bodies – the Equal Opportunities Commission, Commission for Racial Equality and Disability Rights Commission – and will also work towards equality on the basis of age, sexual orientation and religion and belief, as well as promoting human rights. Among the new Commissioners of CEHR is Baroness Sally Greengross, a former Director General of Age Concern England and patron of Care & Repair England.

  • FREE BRIEFING ON AGE DISCRIMINATION AND CHARITIES
    TLT solicitors have published a free update on how the new legislation outlawing age discrimination applies to the voluntary sector. www.tltsolicitors.com/legal-update/Charity-Newsletter/2007/P6849.asp

  • FREE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FROM THE CRANFIELD TRUST
    The Cranfield Trust offers free management consultancy to small charities. Organisations can submit a project brief and they will try to match requirements with the skills offered by one of their volunteers from the commercial sector. www.cranfield.ac.uk/ct

    This News and Policy Update is produced by Care & Repair England
    The Renewal Trust Business Centre, 3 Hawksworth Street, Nottingham, NG3 2EG
    Tel/ Fax: 0115 950 6500
    info@careandrepair-england.org.uk
    www.careandrepair-england.org.uk

    Every effort has been made to ensure the information above is correct. However, Care & Repair England cannot accept any responsibility for errors and omissions.

    Care & Repair England is an Industrial and Provident Society with Charitable Status Reg 25121

    Previous Newsletters
    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Winter 2006 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Autumn 2006 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Summer 2006 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Spring 2006 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Winter 2005 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Autumn 2005 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Summer 2005 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Spring 2005 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Winter 2004/05 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Autumn 2004 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Summer 2004 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Spring 2004 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Winter 2003/04 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update (Winter 2002/03 edition) can be viewed here.

    • The Care & Repair England News and Policy Update briefing paper (Spring 2003 edition) can be viewed here.