New framework tackles disability housing needs

Campbell Tickell have created a new framework for councils on how to develop a housing support pipeline for autistic people and people with a learning disability.

Drawing on direct case studies from local councils, the framework provides practical advice for adult social care commissioners and council housing departments, as well as health commissioners and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) on developing inclusive housing.

Focussing on housing with support developments for people who are Care Act eligible, as well as those with moderate or low needs, the guide outlines five key stages to forecasting the need for housing with support for people with a learning disability and autistic people. It addresses models of housing with support, access to diverse funding sources, partnership arrangements with registered providers and arrangements to secure affordable housing.

In addition, the model is looking to gather information from people who have a learning disability and autistic people, to understand their preferred types of accommodation. The guide also emphasises the importance of a partnership approach between adult social care, health, council housing departments and planners.

‘From working with councils, we known strategic demand assessment of housing with support is the cornerstone to developing a housing pipeline,’ Liz Zacharias, Director of Campbell Tickell said. ‘A demand assessment can be incorporated into strategic plans such as the Local Plan and Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), as well as Market Position Statements. This guide covers each stage of developing and financing a housing with support pipeline and explores how to make reasonable adjustments to the process for accessing general needs housing. We hope it will prove a valuable tool for councils and housing providers.’

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, added: ‘Ensuring people who have a learning disability and autistic people have access to the right housing for their needs is a critical part of helping people to live an equal life. It’s incredibly important to engage with people who draw on these services to understand their preferred types of accommodation, and this framework will help councils deliver more collaborative care.’

Partners in Care and Health (PCH) commissioned Campbell Tickell to create this guide.  The Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services are Partners in Care and Health (PCH)working with well-respected organisations. PCH helps councils to improve the way they deliver adult social care and public health services and helps Government understand the challenges faced by the sector.

To read the full guide visit: Developing a housing with support pipeline for people with a learning disability and autistic people | Local Government Association.

Image: Jakub Pabis

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