Housing and the Care Bill Patrick Murray – Policy Officer February 2014

Background Major reform of the social care system The Dilnot Cap on lifetime care costs Rights for carers National eligibility criteria

Background Seeks to redefine social care around the principle of well-being Aims to develop preventative, integrated system Strong focus on asset-based approach to social care Significant new duties for local authorities including prevention, information & advice, market-shaping, integration

However… where’s the money?!

Federation lobbying Federation is part of the Care & Support Alliance, a group of 70 charities representing stakeholders in the care system Successfully lobbied on definition of well-being, integration, information & advice, prevention, market-shaping Currently working with the CSA on the development of the statutory guidance to local authorities

Clause 1 – the definition of well-being Basis of the whole system – principle from which it flows Replaces existing acts, such as National Assistance Act 1948 Future court judgements on social care will have to consider “suitability of living accommodation” Potential opportunities to join up more services – adaptations, specialist housing?

Prevention duty Three strands of prevention: Prevent needs from developing Delay the onset of social care needs Reduce social care needs Local authorities will need to consider what services are available, identify who might need them

Prevent needs from developing Relates to promotion of well-being in the general population Link across to information and advice services, but not just info and advice Good prevention should go beyond tradition public health interventions Essentially about building community resilience Partnership working with voluntary and community sector crucial to promote well-being

Delay onset of needs Identifying those with unmet social care needs, lower level needs, or in danger of developing needs important Early intervention to prevent escalation Examples could include support to carers to build skills and knowledge, adaptations, & good quality advice to help people maintain independence

Reduce needs Services to aid rehabilitation or help people manage conditions Dementia cafes, or re-ablement services to help people return home from hospital are examples Maximising independence, promoting well-being, building resilience

Information & advice Local authorities must provide comprehensive information and advice service Important as key principle of Bill is creating system where people make informed choices about services they access to improve their well-being. Must provide independent financial advice Also what types of care and support are available

Information & advice – potential gaps and opportunities Could fall down in two tier areas especially as districts have duty to provide housing options advice Federation lobbying to ensure housing related services included in care advice Opportunity: LAs do not have to provide service themselves so possibility for providers to consider what services they could offer to use info and advice to improve well-being Also given scale of changes, important to consider how you can help tenants understand the new system

Market-shaping Local authorities will need to develop “market position statement” Sets out local needs and what services LA will buy in Need to promote choice and well-being LAs will need to identify existing services across broad range of care and support services, including housing related services LAs will need to talk to providers Chance to have conversation about type and shape of services in local areas

Integration Duty to integrate where LA consider integration will promote wellbeing, prevent or delay needs or improve quality of care Housing is specifically identified as “health related provision” Useful lever for providers in local discussions with LAs to encourage integration of services which promote well-being

Asset-based approach Focus on strengths, not just need Emphasising support networks Develops community resilience Challenge to existing models? Or strategic opportunity for community investment?

Contact information Patrick Murray Policy Officer (Care & Support) 07824 383213 Patrick.Murray@housing.org.uk