Home Improvement Agency consultation

Your Feedback

We have summarised the feedback on the Home Improvement Agency consultation proposals below.

Reduce the core annual funding for Home Improvement Agency services by up to £300,000

You said:  Most respondents strongly disagreed (47%) or disagreed (29%) with the proposal to reduce the core annual funding for HIA Services by up to £300,000.

We did: Despite the feedback gained from the public consultation, the council has decided to reduce the core annual funding for HIA Services by £300,000. The council needs to make these savings because there are currently pressures on the Adult Social Care Budget. The council cannot make the required savings without reducing the budgets for some services, especially those services that are due to be recommissioned. There are services the Council is required to legally and so cannot be reduced.

The council has considered alternatives to making these reductions, but this would mean the council would have to reduce the budget for core care and support services (such as home care, supported living, and care homes) that the council has a legal duty to provide.

Despite this, the council is still investing in these preventative support services in line with the council’s duty to prevent, reduce and delay the need for long-term care and support.

Which service should be prioritised for funding in the new contract

You said: 69% of respondents would like to see Independent Living Services prioritised for funding in the new contract. 29% of respondents would like to see Hospital Discharge services prioritised for funding in the new contract.

We did: The council will continue to prioritise funding across the two core elements of the Home Improvement Agency contract. The council recognises that most respondents stated that they would like to see independent living services prioritised, however the Council also must take into consideration the impact of the loss of Disabled Facilities Grants which enables people to be discharged safely into a habitable home. The council will continue to include independent living services within the Home Improvement Agency service specification, however this overall, will not be prioritised as supported by the public consultation.

Proposal to increase the funding for Hoarding Support Services  

You said: Most respondents either agreed (24%) with the proposal to increase the funding for Hoarding Support Services or strongly agreed (23%) with the proposal. 27% of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed with the proposal to increase the funding for Hoarding Support Services.

We did: The council will increase funding for hoarding support services. This is because we have sufficient evidence to suggest that support needs relating to hoarding behaviors has increased in prevalence especially with regards to safeguarding. The council has therefore made the decision to increase funding so more people can access the appropriate support. The council will explore the best possible route to market to commission this support.

A requirement for a Home Independence Centre or equivalent

You said: Most (68%) of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the future Home Improvement Agency contract should continue to include a requirement for a Home Independence Centre or equivalent.

We did: The council will ensure that the new contract includes a requirement for a Home Independence Centre or equivalent service where people can view equipment to make informed decisions about adaptations in their homes. The Home Independence Centre or Equivalent, also enables health professionals, such as Occupational Therapists, to use the facilities to assess people's needs and ensure they have the right equipment to help them live independently at home.

How HIA services can best help support people in the future

You said: The survey responses emphasised the critical importance of maintaining essential HIA services that enable Independent Living and support Hospital Discharge for older adults and people with disabilities.
The trustworthiness and reliability of service providers emerged as a critical factor for service users.

Regarding support for individuals dealing with hoarding behaviours, many highlighted the necessity of specialised services being integrated with mental health support to address this complex issue.

Financial considerations and funding strategies were prominent in the feedback. Several respondents suggested the implementation of means testing or sliding scale fees to ensure resources are allocated effectively.
Respondents also highlighted the urgency of improving accessibility and reducing waiting times for HIA services

We did: The council will ensure that the new contract offers good value for money, especially for disabled and older people, and those on low incomes, to enable people the option to fund support themselves, where appropriate. The council will ensure that the new contract is accessible and supports people to maximise independent living outcomes in their homes, to prevent, reduce and delay the need for long term interventions .