Round one to us

Working in the field of welfare policy can often feel like being sparring partner to a heavyweight champion – blow after blow coming from all directions while you duck back and forth trying to understand, communicate and influence the next blow.

“A new funding delivery model feels like a round won in this bout with the government over the future of welfare.”

But once in a while you feel as though you’ve stood your ground and made a small defence, maybe even thrown a few sneaky jabs yourself.  The announcement that supported housing will not face a budgetary cut but a new funding delivery model feels like a round won in this bout with the government over the future of welfare.

In Wales there’s reason for optimism; we can look to the success of last year’s ‘Let’s Keep on Supporting People’ campaign, and the previous commitment of Welsh Government to ensure vulnerable people are protected from any further blows. Add in the fact that the shared accommodation rate won’t apply to supported housing, along with a commitment to meet future need, and I start to feel as though we’ve made the count on this policy.

But, from a hardened welfare fighter’s point of view, after the tough rounds of the benefit cap, bedroom tax, Universal Credit, freeze on benefits, personal independence payments and many more, it seems wise to stay on guard. And so we are – Community Housing Cymru is continuing to work closely with Cymorth Cymru to argue the case for continued levels of supported people funding and we will be making sure we pick up the reins of the fight here in Wales to influence the size of funding that is devolved and make sure that it ends up where it is needed most.

A glance across the ring shows a new face in the opposite corner. No longer are we staring at the face of reform but the new face of delivery: Caroline Nokes MP. The delivery fight is easier to win; as a sector we have clear evidence of what works well and what will make delivery more difficult.

But should we get ready for another round? Where will budget savings come from? If I were to rely on my fighter’s instinct, I would guess the next blow could be a low one. If this is the case, then the gloves are off for the next round.

Paul Langley, head of business development, Community Housing Cymru