WRITTEN STATEMENT
BY
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT
TITLE
Supporting People Programme Guidance and Outcomes
Consultation
DATE
15 May 2017
BY
Carl Sargeant AM, Cabinet Secretary for Communities & Children
Today I am launching a consultation on two documents; New Supporting People
Programme Guidance and a revised Outcomes Framework for the Programme. The
Supporting People Programme provides vital support to people at risk of homelessness and
those who find themselves in very difficult circumstances. It helps some of Wales’ most
vulnerable people to live independently in their own home or supported housing. I am
proud that in Wales, unlike other parts of the UK, we have protected funding for another
year, providing support for approximately 60,000 individuals and families.
Following the Aylward Review 2010 the Supporting People Programme Grant was created
and guidance was published in 2012. The Programme introduced a collaborative approach
to the governance of the Programme and regional working to support and advise local
authorities.
Today’s revised Guidance has been developed in close collaboration with external partners;
it highlights high level principles, such as a focus on prevention of homelessness, and
clarifies governance arrangements. The document also reflects wider changes to Welsh
Government policy and legislation. In particular the objectives contained within the WellBeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, Part 2 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, the
Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 and the
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
Development of the Outcomes Framework has taken account of the ‘Resilient Communities’
agenda and links between Supporting People and Housing Options work helping prevent
homelessness. The Framework was also developed collaboratively with external partners
and has a much stronger focus on each person receiving support.
The Framework also recognises the need to work more in line with the objectives of the
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, as well as other legislation listed above.
We have sought to reduce the amount of data we collect, focussing more clearly on
outcomes and ensuring data helps to demonstrate how well we are meeting the aims and
objectives of this important Programme.
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The Guidance and Outcomes Framework consultation document can be accessed via the
following links:
https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/draft-supporting-people-programme-guidanceand-outcomes-framework
Consultation runs until 4th August 2017 and I look forward to considering feedback from
stakeholders and interested parties.
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