1. – a local authority approach
Working together to support people with Learning Disabilities to live independently
– a local authority approach
Jane Edmends
Housing Services Manager

2. Effective internal working
“Getting our own house in order”
Need for a clear and mutual understanding of housing need (rather than aspiration)
Remove the professional language & have a agreed understanding of ‘independent’ living
Bring in the right colleagues from the beginning (don’t forget your front line teams)
Understand your roles / who has the appropriate expertise

3. So what have we done Establishment of a LD Strategic Review Group
Used and agreed model to understand priority accommodation needs. Extensive work has been undertaken to understand:
Timescale of need (‘best estimate’)
The complexity of each individual’s circumstances
Specific and individual requirements
Court of protection issues
Refined the above to address individual needs
Understand and prepare for transition

4. We now understand priority accommodation needs - so what….
Make effective use of exiting housing stock – specialist, supported & general housing needs
Allocation Panels
Accessing Choice Based Lettings
Use of the private rented sector
Make the best use of internal resources ‘Adaptions / DFG’s / Assistive Technology)
Take all potential opportunities to access new build affordable housing
Give confidence to your RP/private housing partners

5. The challenges don’t go away
To name a few………
The need to respond to unexpected / emergency housing needs
Addressing ‘older’ models of accommodation
Aspirations (colleagues and families) – be realistic we can only help with accommodation we have / can get access to
Financial (pressures) and ‘Affordability’ issues

6. Finally
Buts lets not end on a negative we have moved forward significantly:
We understand housing need / future demand
We have made a real difference to peoples lives
We have effective partnerships with RP providers & there are funding opportunities
We have secured significant inward investment into the borough
Many thanks for listening any questions?
If not I would love to hear what works for you……….