NI protects Supporting People funding

The Supporting People programme, run by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, provides accommodation through housing associations and tailored support to a range of people, including homeless people, those with mental health problems and women at risk of domestic violence. The Department for Social Development (DSD) has invested more than £850m in the Supporting People initiative since its introduction in 2003.

A review of the service began in October 2014 following a commitment made as part of the DSD’s housing strategy 2012/17.

Following the publication of the findings today, minister for social development Mervyn Storey said ringfenced funding, which has averaged £71m since 2003, would be maintained in 2015/16.

He said the announcement was a demonstration of his commitment to the programme “during a time when public finances are under strain and despite having to find significant savings across my department”. The DSD budget was reduced by £63.3m, a 9.7% reduction on 2014/15.

The report praised the programme for helping improve the lives of 17,000 people, reducing crime and relieving pressure on health and social care budgets. The DSD has invested more than £850m in the Supporting People initiative since its introduction in 2003.

However, the report also highlighted weaknesses and made 13 recommendations for reform, with an implementation plan due to be published in spring next year.

These included improving needs assessments, extending a ‘floating’ support service and improving performance monitoring.