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White Paper gives Green Light for £200m boost for housing

Care and Support White Paper 2012The long awaited Social Care White Paper, 'Caring for our future: reforming care and support' (opens new window), finally got the green light yesterday and provides a welcome boost to housing with the announcement of a £200m capital allocation over 5 years to fund up to 6,000 new units of specialised housing for older and disabled people.

Despite hesitating on amber while the implications of how the recommendations of Andrew Dilnot's Commission should be implemented, the White Paper signals the government's commitment to building a platform for the future direction of adult social care. In particular, it sets an agenda that seeks to clarify roles and responsibilities between the state and individuals in the context of enhancing further choice in the market place, offering greater control to individuals, creating stronger communities, facilitating more co-production, and making best use of all resources.

Commending the Government for allocating additional resources and recognising the importance of housing, Jeremy Porteus, Director of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, said: "the specific references to access to online information and advice to enable people to make informed decision to meet their needs and aspirations, preventative practices including how we adapt and improve our existing housing and utilise assistive technologies to meet the needs of older and disabled people, and design and develop a range of new and accessible housing solutions that can be 'care ready' for an ageing population are really welcome. The £200m is a great boost to the sector but there is now also a strong case for further investment in ideas, innovation and resources to build on these foundations for a more integrated system health, housing and social care system - one that can deliver real improvements to peoples' lives."

Further details on how the money will be allocated are due to be published later this year and the Housing LIN looks forward to informing you of arrangements.