Issue details

This report seeks approval for:

·         the High Level Commissioning Strategy

·         accompanying budget proposal (reductions in general funding and public health)

·         requests new delegations for decision making

This is a new medium-term, high-level commissioning strategy for 2016 to 2020. The strategy focuses on people that need extra help and support to maintain or regain housing independence. The strategy covers a range of support services.

The strategy discusses the changing needs of the population, the reducing resources available, and the impact of changes to national and local strategy, policy and practice. The strategy:

·         Focuses on prevention, early intervention and building resilience

·         Commits the Council to prioritise primarily according to need (whilst meeting statutory responsibilities)

·         Proposes the development of pilot projects to explore new and innovative ways of responding holistically to the needs of individuals

·         Utilises evidence gathered from customer and stakeholder consultation and the ‘Call for Evidence: Preventing and Responding to Homelessness’ to ensure that services commissioned best meet the needs and aspirations of the people supported

·         Continues to seek opportunities for joint commissioning with other Council services and external partners to ensure support is person-centred, eliminate duplication and achieve best value for money

The strategy establishes new delegated authority for decision making. The previous delegations have not been formally revoked but need to be changed to enable re-commissioning of services in line with the new strategy.