ITEM 15 Registered Social Landlords
North Lanarkshire Council · 25 September 2024
Back to Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board — 25 September 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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1 REPORT Item No: 15 SUBJECT: Review of Commissioned Registered Social Landlord Provision TO: Integrated Joint Board Committee Lead Officer for Report: Morag Dendy, Chief Officer – Performance, Planning & Quality Assurance Author(s) of Report Maria Williamson, Senior Manager Quality Assurance DATE: 25 September 2024 1. PURPOSE OF REPORT This paper is coming to the IJB for: For Approval: ☐ For Endorsement: ☒ To Note: ☐ 2. ROUTE TO THE BOARD This paper has been prepared by Maria Williamson (Senior Manager Quality Assurance) and reviewed and endorsed by Morag Dendy, Chief Officer – Performance, Planning & Quality Assurance. Prepared By: ☒ Reviewed By: ☒ Endorsed By: ☒ 3. RECOMMENDATIONS (1) It is recommended that the IJB recognises the progress of this review, which when completed will further embed the principles of Self-Directed Support – Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.
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2 (2) It is recommended that the IJB acknowledge the change in provision delivered by both Link Housing Association and Blackwood and note a review of this provision is no longer required. (3) It is recommended that the IJB acknowledge the concerns raised by Trust and their representatives and note agreement has been reached following a positive meeting between North Lanarkshire Council and Trust Housing Representatives. (4) It is recommended that the IJB acknowledge the approval by Aspire management committee to progress to a Retirement Housing model at, Law View Housing development. (5) It is recommended that the IJB note the delay in progressing the review with Hanover Scotland due to fire safety concerns and following an independent fire audit, endorse the recommencement of that review. (6) It is recommended that the IJB agree a notice period to 31 March 2025 to enable transition planning with providers and individual tenants. 4. VARIATIONS TO DIRECTIONS? 4.1 This section outlines if the report requires a direction to be issued to the Local Authority, the Health Board, to both, or that no direction is required 5. BACKGROUND/SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES 5.1 The contracts with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) expired in 2016/17, prompting a review of the services being provided. The review has been significantly delayed due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 5.2 The purpose of review was to ensure that people had the freedom to choose who provides the care and support they receive. We recognise it is vital that any support tenants receive are focused on their needs and are unique to them. 5.3 The decision to remodel Registered Social Landlord Provision (RSLs) was approved within the March 2020 IJB financial plan, which received cross party support. The plan detailed that the current RSL services would transition to become Retirement Housing in line with the council’s in-house model. It was noted that this change would result in future support costs being absorbed by housing benefit. 5.4 This current review commenced in June 2023. Following discussions with providers and the collation of data and impact assessments outlining the needs of tenants, North Lanarkshire Council informed all providers within the scope of the review of the initial proposal to withdraw all housing support funding. Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A ☐
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3 5.5 As the review has progressed, we have provided updates via Elected Member briefings, FAQ documents and engagement sessions with Providers, residents and stakeholders. 5.6 Registered Social Landlords provide a range of different support arrangements across North Lanarkshire. Prior to 1st April 2024 these RSLs, who ran 12 complexes, were: - Trust Housing Association Hanover Housing Association Link Housing Association Aspire Blackwood 5.7 The services the RSLs provide primarily take the form of sheltered, very sheltered, and supported housing. North Lanarkshire Council currently provide funding that is used for on-site staff to provide a housing support service to tenants in each of the complexes. 5.8 RSL providers have been aware of the outstanding review of these services since approximately 2016/17. They have engaged with some other Local Authorities who carried out the review of this legacy funding stream, some as far back as 2016/17. Other Local Authorities have either discontinued funding or redesigned to models which include retirement housing, housing with care, amenity housing or a continuation of sheltered/very sheltered housing. 5.9 Local Authorities who have not yet carried out reviews of RSL provision have indicated plans to do so. Some authorities have noted that providers have decided to redesign of their own initiative to make them suitable to the current housing and care needs of a changing population whilst remaining financially sustainable. 5.10 Equals Advocacy were commissioned to ensure an independent voice for tenants. They attended all engagement sessions and met separately with individuals and groups at later dates where this support was requested. 5.11 Tenant care and support needs are addressed by social work through individual packages of tailored care. A mix of our Homecare service and independent providers are delivering these bespoke packages in line with the ethos of Self- Directed Support (SDS). 5.12 RSLs have been using North Lanarkshire Council funding to pay for various levels of on-site staffing. However, over time the roles and responsibilities of staff within developments appears to have become unclear with possible unmet tenant needs and duplication of provision, suggesting streamlining of care and support would achieve better individual choice and outcomes for tenants. 5.13 North Lanarkshire Council funds a wealth of community resources, however tenant feedback through the engagement sessions suggested these were not being accessed by tenants within sheltered housing/very sheltered housing,
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4 with reliance for social stimulation being directed to the in-house warden service. This limits choice and participation in a wide range of unique and diverse activities to enhance overall sense of purpose, identity and holistic well- being. 5.14 On the 1 April 2024, Link Housing Association decided to implement their new Retirement Housing model across their three North Lanarkshire Sheltered Housing services. This decision was despite not having concluded the review, rather it was based on Link’s experience of the outcomes in similar reviews that have been carried out by a number of Scottish Local Authorities. This model meant the de-registering of the services with the Care Inspectorate as housing support was no longer a feature of the services. Furthermore, it meant a reduction from 35 hours weekly staffing to 25 hours weekly staffing in each service. 5.15 As of 16 July 2024, Blackwood implemented its new Retirement Housing with meals model within Buchanan House, which was previously a Very Sheltered Housing service. Buchanan House is no longer registered with the Care Inspectorate as housing support is no longer delivered. 53 hours on-site staffing weekly is now included within the service model as opposed to 70 hours weekly previously. To enable this creative and dynamic model Blackwood carried out a consultation and restructure with their employees to reflect the more practical nature of the new model. 5.16 Both Link and Blackwood now no longer receive legacy housing support funding from North Lanarkshire Council. It is important to note that commissioned Advocacy services have reported positive outcomes since the changes have been made, which mirrors feedback received from North Lanarkshire Council Housing colleagues as a result of the redesign of the Council’s Sheltered Housing to Retirement Housing. Hanover Scotland 5.17 Throughout the review period Hanover Scotland has always advised that without staff on-site, including night cover at MacAlpine Court, they would not be safe to operate due to the structure of the building and the associated fire risks. Funding which is the subject of this review currently pays for the costs of one on-site housing support worker seven days per week, twenty-four hours per day. 5.18 Sleepover funding was agreed on a temporary basis approximately two years ago, pending this review. Hanover Scotland approached North Lanarkshire Council at this time to request funding for night cover due to the change for a standard night payment to an hourly rate for sleepover workers. Prior to this change, tenants had funded the sleepover as they benefited from the sense of security this brought them. 5.19 As part of the review of McAlpine Court, an independent assessment was commissioned by North Lanarkshire Council to review the fire evacuation measures deployed by Hanover Scotland and a number of recommendations
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5 have been made to safeguard tenants residing there. The aims of the recommendations would be to either: - o Upgrade fire protection measures to allow a stay put policy. o Deploy sufficient staffing to enable a simultaneous evacuation. o Assess the needs of tenants living within McAlpine Court to determine whether the accommodation is suitable due to dependency levels. 5.20 Hanover Scotland have always communicated that without on-site staffing a number of residents would need to move to a care home environment. As there is currently one member of staff on shift it is felt that reviews of tenants open to social work must take place to ensure that their needs are being fully met at this time. 5.21 The review was paused on 18 July 2024 due to safety concerns relating to the management of fire within MacAlpine Court. We continue to discuss with Hanover the findings of our independent fire consultant in relation to their current evacuation strategy and risks posed by this. A range of options have been suggested for Hanover to consider in their role as landlord and responsible persons for having suitable and sufficient fire measures in place. It is our intention to recommence the review in the coming weeks. Aspire 5.22 Aspire currently delivers a housing support service funded by North Lanarkshire Council to tenants residing in Law View Housing Development. The landlords are Garrion and Forgewood Housing Associations. A new model of Retirement Housing which provides housing management services has been approved by the respective management committees and we have been advised that engagement with tenants will commence imminently. 5.23 The Housing Associations continue to liaise with North Lanarkshire Council about maximisation of housing benefit/service charges. North Lanarkshire Council will continue to provide support ensure a seamless transition to the new service model. It is anticipated that the housing support service will end as of 31 March 2025. Trust Housing Association 5.24 Following the proposal to withdraw all housing support funding, Trust advised it would redesign their six services to a range of retirement and amenity housing. Trust identified the models for each service. Arrangements included very sheltered complexes moving to amenity housing. 5.25 Trust advised concerns raised related specifically to 3 very sheltered complexes, proposing these complexes changed to a Housing with Care model on a revised block grant funding arrangement. Trust confirmed the 3 remaining sheltered complexes could easily change to a Retirement Housing model. Trust advised that they deliver a Housing with Care model in several other local authority areas and were keen to explore this as an option in North Lanarkshire.
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6 5.26 To fully meet the principles of self-directed support legislation, our approach is to ensure that housing and care/support needs are separate and unique to everyone. 5.27 This is instead of a block of support being available as part of the overall accommodation and accessible to the group of tenants as a whole. This may not be the right support for all tenants and prevents them being involved in choosing the care provider that’s right for each person’s individual needs and situation. 5.28 At the centre of all considerations regarding the housing with care model was the vision to embrace the principles of choice and control for all current or potential future tenants living at these services. 5.29 Ongoing engagement with Trust has been maintained and during a meeting on 19 August, Trust and the council reached agreement. Trust will transition its six complexes to a combination of Retirement Housing and Retirement Housing with meals. Trust will also tender to be included as a care and support provider on the North Lanarkshire Self Directed Support Framework, which will open for entry point 5 later this year. This approach means that tenants will have the choice to choose Trust to provide their care and support. 5.30 We will work with Trust to transition from the current arrangements to the new. This move will align the end of existing arrangements with the implementation of Retirement Housing/Retirement Housing with meals. New providers will be operational and able to deliver packages of care from 1 April 2025, which will mean the current arrangements will end on 31 March 2025. 6. CONCLUSIONS 6.1 The review of Registered Social Landlord provision will be completed, with all new arrangements in place by 01 April 2025. 6.2 We will continue to engage with Trust as we transfer to the new arrangements. 6.3 We will continue to engage with Hanover Scotland re implementing the recommendations made following the independent review of the fire evacuation strategy. 6.4 We will recommence the review of Hanover Scotland. 6.5 Completion of this review will achieve the intentions as set out in the March 2020 IJB financial plan. 7. IMPLICATIONS 7.1 NATIONAL OUTCOMES Link(s) to National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes
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7 People are able to look after and improve their own health and wellbeing and live in good health for longer ☒ People, including those with disabilities or long-term conditions, or who are frail, are able to live, as far as reasonable practicable, independently and at home or in a homely setting in their community ☒ People who use Health and Social Care Services have positive experiences of those services, and have dignity respected ☒ Health and Social Care Services are centred on helping to maintain or improve the quality of life of people who use those services ☒ Health and Social Care Services contribute to reducing health inequalities ☒ People who use Health and Social Care Services are safe from harm ☒ People who work in Health and Social Care Services feel engaged with the work they do and are supported to continuously improve the information, support, care and treatment they provide ☒ Resources are used effectively and efficiently in the provision of Health and Social Care Services ☒ 7.2 ASSOCIATED MEASURE(S) 7.3 FINANCIAL 7.3.1 Link - 24/25 Budget £46,651. Ceased 31/3/24. 7.3.2 Blackwood - 24/25 Budget £27,208. Ceased 16/7/24. 7.3.3 Aspire - 24/25 Budget £22,607. 7.3.4 Hanover -. 24/25 Budget £133,618. This includes a sleepover which has been funded for approximately two years and was agreed on an interim basis pending the review of Registered Social landlords. 7.3.5 Trust operates six services across North Lanarkshire - 24/25 Budget £327,442. This paper has been reviewed by Finance: Yes No N/A 7.4 RISK ASSESSMENT/RISK MANAGEMENT Relevant Risk Register Details Current Risk Level Risk Owner Service Risk Register Medium Chief Officer, Adult Social Work
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8 7.5 ENGAGEMENT & PARTICIPATION Please tick the engagement and participation objectives that link(s) with this piece of work and provide further details on the engagement and participation that was undertaken. Objectives Further details ☐ Involve stakeholders in the development work aimed at achieving the national outcomes ☐ Provide stakeholders with information on how to get involved X Ensure a diverse range of engagement and participation and opportunities are in place to suit different needs Engagement sessions took place, written information was provided, and advocacy were commissioned to ensure representation as a group and individually. ☐ Measure how well we involve community stakeholders in the planning, design and delivery of our services ☐ Provide regular feedback on how stakeholder engagement and participation is shaping and influencing service development and delivery X Provide support to enable stakeholder representatives to participate meaningfully and confidently at meetings Advocacy and carers were involved. ☐ Develop participation guidelines to ensure a common understanding and set of expectations for both stakeholders and partnership staff ☐ Support engagement planning and participation in localities, taking account of other engagement activity and local plans across the Community Planning Partnership 7.6 INEQUALITIES & FAIRER SCOTLAND DUTY EQIA Completed & Fairer Scotland Impact Assessment Form Completed and attached to report: Yes No N/A EQIA added to website:
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9 Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A ☐ 8. BACKGROUND PAPERS 8.1 Document.ashx (cmis.uk.com) IJB Financial Plan 2020/2021 9. APPENDICES None. Morag Dendy, Chief Officer – Performance, Planning & Quality Assurance CHIEF ACCOUNTABLE OFFICER (or Depute) Members seeking further information about any aspect of this report, please contact the following; Elaine McIntyre, Service Manager Quality Assurance mcintyree@northlan.gov.uk Maria Williamson, Senior Manager Quality Assurance WilliamsonM@north.gov.uk
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10 Direction from North Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) 1 Reference Number 2 Report Title 3 Date direction issued by IJB 4 Date from which direction takes effect 5 Direction to: 6 Does this direction supersede, revise or revoke a previous direction – if yes, include reference number(s) 7 Functions covered by direction 8 Full text of direction 9 Budget allocated by Integration Joint Board to carry out direction 10 Performance Management / Governance arrangements 11 Date direction will be reviewed