Cheshire Council has received the worst possible score from the Audit Commission for its Supporting People services, it was revealed this week.

Cheshire, whose service was rated “poor” with “uncertain prospects for improvement”, scored no stars out of three. It was one of 19 councils inspected early because of higher-than-average costs in this area.

Cheshire’s services are over 25% more expensive than the English average. Its physical disability services cost £610.90 per person per week; the English average is £100.

Despite this some tenants who need housing support are not getting it, while a large number of providers have not signed or been given contracts. Local authorities must complete their own inspection of supported housing services that receive Supporting People grant before 2006, but Cheshire has not yet begun inspections.

Roy Irwin, the commission’s chief housing inspector, said: “There is a lack of leadership from senior officers and key organisations who should be partners in the programme.” He said district and county councillors and primary care trust boards must get more involved.

Cheshire was rated “excellent” in its comprehensive performance assessment for the past two years, but it is not known whether it will keep that status in December.

Lynn Hardwick, the council’s executive member for social services and health, said she was “less than surprised” at the poor verdict but added that the council would work to improve the service.

Source

Housing Today