Briefings
Age Friendly Cities - International Learning Approaches
The population is ageing, and the number of older people is expected to grow at a very high rate over the coming years, and as a result of this changing population trend we can expect to see some fundamental changes. If trends in ageing follow projections the north's population will age broadly in line with the
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Some places have already begun to prepare themselves to ensure their services and infrastructure to support an improved quality of life for older people through improved health, design of home and environmental services. Themes such as affordable and accessible housing, accessibility to public and private spaces and employment opportunities have all been recognised as important.
This paper is the second of a series of discussion and findings papers to be published as part of the development work for our 'Age Friendly Community' design project. The paper seeks feedback and input from members and the wider housing sector into the project and ensures that the full range of issues you are facing will be tackled through the project. For more information contact Satty Rai, Policy Services Manager.
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Some places have already begun to prepare themselves to ensure their services and infrastructure to support an improved quality of life for older people through improved health, design of home and environmental services. Themes such as affordable and accessible housing, accessibility to public and private spaces and employment opportunities have all been recognised as important.
This paper is the second of a series of discussion and findings papers to be published as part of the development work for our 'Age Friendly Community' design project. The paper seeks feedback and input from members and the wider housing sector into the project and ensures that the full range of issues you are facing will be tackled through the project. For more information contact Satty Rai, Policy Services Manager.
Inclusive Design: how a simple potato peeler can help you revolutionise your housing service
The north's housing markets are changing - the population is ageing and we can expect radical changes in lifestyle and expectations in the future. This discussion paper considers the concept of Inclusive Design - a process which ensures that products and services address the needs of the widest possible audience, regardless of age or ability. Familiar and popular items such as the 'good grips' potato peeler and trolley style suitcase have been created using the principles of Inclusive Design, enabling these products to not only meet the needs of older and disabled people but a wide audience of consumers willing to pay for products which are stylish, convenient and easy to use.
Inclusive Design has risen up the policy agenda following the launch of the National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society to become the subject of much debate in the housing sector. But how can the principles of Inclusive Design help you to create homes, neighbourhoods and services which not only respond to, but importantly capitalise upon, the north's changing markets? Where can we see Inclusive Design in practice and what are the key questions we need to ask?
This paper is the first of a series of discussion and findings papers to be published as part of the development work for our 'Age Friendly Community' design project. The paper seeks feedback and input from members and the wider housing community into the project and ensures that the full breadth of issues you are facing will be tackled through the project. For more information contact Sarah Taylor, Policy and Practice Development Manager.
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill received royal assent in October 2007 bringing a duty for local authorities and PCT's to jointly produce a joint strategic needs assessment (JSNA) from April 2008. The JSNA is defined as "joint analysis of predicted health and well-being outcomes, what the community wants and a view of future needs". Taking a whole population focus, the JSNA will provide the evidence base to inform the commissioning and delivery of appropriate services and will support the personalisation agenda. This NHC briefing outlines the role of JSNA and some ofthe early implications for NHC members including the need to engage with the JSNA process, the use of the findings to plan their own interventions and targeting of resources, and the implications for market development.
National Dementia Strategy
There are currently 700,000 people with dementia in the UK and this figure is forecast to increase to over 1 million people by 2025 and 1.7 million by 2051. The Government has recognised that dementia is a growing problem and because of this the first ever National Dementia Strategy for England will be published in October this year. This briefing paper prepared by the Northern Housing Consortium takes a look at the plans for the Strategy and seeks feedback from Consortium members on the role that housing can play in improving provision and services for people living with this condition.
The NHC will be attending a listening and engagement event in February, which will inform the content of the Strategy. In order to ensure we are able to represent our members effectively at this event, the Consortium is keen to hear your opinions on this issue and about any examples of good practice in this area so that we can contribute to the development of the National Dementia Strategy.
English Indices of Deprivation 2007
Communities and Local Government (CLG) published the new Indices of Deprivation 2007 (IMD 2007) following an extensive public consultation. Due to data being reported at consistent boundaries after the introduction of Super Output Areas, this is the first time comparisons can be made to the previous indices (produced in 2004). This offers the opportunity to compare how levels of deprivation have changed in the interim period and it is the purpose of this NHC Briefing Paper to show where in the north high and low levels of deprivation exist and where improvements have been made since 2004.
NHS - Background Papers
This paper outlines the structure of the NHS and highlights the role of the strategic health authority, primary care trusts and other trusts that operate at a local level. The paper also outlines the role of practice based commissioning and lists a selection of flexibilities which can be negotiated at a local level. These are the serviecs that GP's can now commission to prevent ill health and include services provided by housing and support providers. This paper provides key contacts for NHS bodies in the North.
Putting People First: a shared vision and commitment to the transformation of adult social care
The government has announced a radical transformation of adult social care aimed at driving forward the personalisation agenda. This NHC briefing outlines the key themes of Putting People First, which was published on 10th December 2007 by the Department of Health (DH), and provides analysis of the likely implications for commisisoners and providers. Putting People First sets out the shared aims and values which will guide this transformational change:-
- A new relationship between Government, local authorities, the NHS, independent sector providers and the regulator;
- A major shift of resources and practice to prevention, early intervention and re-enablement;
- High quality accessible information and advice available to all irrespective of financial means;
- A commitment to treating carers as partners; and
- Maximum power, control and choice in the hands of the people who use these services and their carers.
The reforms mark the first stage in the transformation of adult social care. Ringfenced funding of £520m to support system wide transformation will be available through the Social Care Reform Grant. Further announcements are expected in 2008 including a green paper on longer term reform of the funding system. This is an important policy announcement for Northern Housing Consortium members as it supports the sector to work across shared agendas with users and carers and will have implications for the commissioning and delivery of support services. If you wish to provide comments or feedback please contact mailto:sarah.taylor@northern-consortium.org.uk.
Local government performance framework
The new local government performance framework has been developed as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007. The framework focuses on outcomes and delivery through strong partnership working between the public, private and third sectors. The framework introduces 30 new Public Service Agreements (PSA) from April 2008 which outline the governments vision and key priorities for the spending review period, and include new agreements which will require partnership working across housing health and care for example "tackling social exclusion" PSA 16 and 'independence and well-being in later life" PSA 17. The government is currently consulting on a single set of national indicators from which local authortites will select up to 35 to be delivered through LAA's from April 2008. Local government performance will be measured through Comprehensive Area Assessment from April 2009. A briefing paper will be produced for members in the New Year to outline the new requirements and implications for members.
In Work, Better Off: Next steps to full employment Briefing Paper
The DWP Green Paper: In Work, Better Off: Next Steps to Full Employment, was published on 18 July 2007 setting out the governments vision for achieving 80% employment and represents a step change in approach which will have significant imlications for housing and support providers. The reforms have clear implications from a northern housing perspective in terms of the impact they will have on tenants income levels and the need to develop financial inclusion strategies and appropriate support for tenants. However, there are a number of positives including the clear link with our work on sustainable communities and opportunities for partnership work particularly for Supporting People providers.
This briefing paper is intended to provide analysis and commentary to assist Northern Housing Consortium members to understand, prepare for and respond to the reforms set out in the green paper.
Mental Capacity Act Briefing Paper
This short briefing paper outlines the key features of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and some of the early implications for housing care and support. The Act, which came into force in England in April, introduces a major overhaul of the law relating to individuals who lack capacity in decision making, particularly around changes in accommodation. The Act introduces a legal obligation on health and social care commissioners to jointly commission advocacy services and is expected to have significant implications for the provision of supported housing, care and support services. Further details on the Act can be accessed here.
The Integrated Living Network ran two events on the Mental Capacity Act in June 2007. Commissioned by the Dept of Health, these national events supported delegates to understand the implications of the Act on their work with vulnerable people. If you would like to purchase a delegate pack, will includes all available speakers presentations please telephone 0191 5661000 or e-mail our events team.
Commissioning Framework for Health and Wellbeing - Briefing Paper and Consultation Response
This briefing paper outlines the key features of the Commissioning Framework for Health and Wellbeing which was launched on 6th March, by the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt MP. This document has been long awaited and has far reaching implications for both Health and Local Government during the next few years. The framework outlines 8 steps to more effective commissioning and demonstrates how local commissioners can improve health and well-being by providing personalised, preventative services, proactively working in partnership and focussing on outcomes for the individual. The framework ultimately aims to give power to individuals and communities but requires a significant cultural shift for successful delivery.
The Northern Housing Consortium has submitted a response to the consultation via the Integrated Living Network. We see the framework as a positive step forward for the health and social care sectors which supports our strategic approach to delivering sustainable communities and tackling social exclusion. However we feel that the very few references to housing and support represent a missed opportunity, and a limited recognition of the vital role which housing plays in promoting well-being.
National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society
The Northern Housing Consortium provided a short response to the pre-consultation document of the National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society. The full consultation document is expected to be published in the autumn.
English Indices of Deprivation 2007
Communities and Local Government (CLG) published the new Indices of Deprivation 2007 (IMD 2007) following an extensive public consultation. Due to data being reported at consistent boundaries after the introduction of Super Output Areas, this is the first time comparisons can be made to the previous indices (produced in 2004). This offers the opportunity to compare how levels of deprivation have changed in the interim period and it is the purpose of this NHC Briefing Paper to show where in the north high and low levels of deprivation exist and where improvements have been made since 2004.