We are somewhat unclear about whether this proposed approach to the Scottish Government signals the commitment to seeking to expand the programme Council’s of work to improve tenements, including in Govanhill where the current programme is addressing a relatively small proportion of the tenements badly in need of improvement. A clearer reference to this would be helpful. The question (page 63) about applying SHQS across private housing seems well intended but rather academic as it is impossible to see how this could ever be policed and enforced. An approach based on targeting specific areas, as referred to above, seems more realistic. There is a question (page 63) about whether GCC should continue to provide grant to RSLs for acquisitions, even if this means spending less on new build. It is perhaps odd that prior to asking this question, the draft Strategy makes no mention of the acquisitions programme. GWSF members have welcomed the programme of supporting the acquisition of private sector flats. Not only does this contribute to new social sector supply, it also makes sense as part of the City-wide approach to tackling poor private sector tenements and mixed tenure blocks. With the greatly expanded supply programme, the Forum believes there should be room for a continued focus on strategic acquisitions alongside the new build programme, and that acquisitions should not be seen as detrimental to the overall new supply programme in the City. Independent living and specialist provision The draft Strategy rightly includes an emphasis on the future age profile of the City’s residents. Recent research GWSF carried out among members revealed that around 30% of CCHA tenants are aged over 65. Furthermore, we estimate that CCHAs house and support between 20% and 25% of older people. Glasgow’s These figures underline the importance of CCHAs being acknowledged as key players in facilitating prevention and early intervention activities, with health and social care funding allocated accordingly. The potential savings to public sector budgets of the early prevention and intervention activities which CCHAs are involved in are huge. The Forum has anxieties that some of the recent progress made by health and social care in recognising the importance of CCHA involvement in lower level but essential preventative support services, particularly for older people, could be hampered by very significant funding cuts, most notably to social work services. This recognition, and accompanying funding, were hard fought for but now risk being diluted or lost altogether. Next steps
We are somewhat unclear about whether this proposed approach to the Scottish Government signals the Council’s commitment to seeking to expand the programme of work to improve tenements, including in Govanhill where the current programme is addressing a relatively small proportion of the tenements badly in need of improvement. A clearer reference to this would be helpful. The question (page 63) about applying SHQS across private housing seems well intended but rather academic as it is impossible to see how this could ever be policed and enforced. An approach based on targeting specific areas, as referred to above, seems more realistic. There is a question (page 63) about whether GCC should continue to provide grant to RSLs for acquisitions, even if this means spending less on new build. It is perhaps odd that prior to asking this question, the draft Strategy makes no mention of the acquisitions programme. GWSF members have welcomed the programme of supporting the acquisition of private sector flats. Not only does this contribute to new social sector supply, it also makes sense as part of the City-wide approach to tackling poor private sector tenements and mixed tenure blocks. With the greatly expanded supply programme, the Forum believes there should be room for a continued focus on strategic acquisitions alongside the new build programme, and that acquisitions should not be seen as detrimental to the overall new supply programme in the City. Independent living and specialist provision The draft Strategy rightly includes an emphasis on the future age profile of the City’s residents. Recent research GWSF carried out among members revealed that around 30% of CCHA tenants are aged over 65. Furthermore, we estimate that CCHAs house and support between 20% and 25% of Glasgow’s older people. These figures underline the importance of CCHAs being acknowledged as key players in facilitating prevention and early intervention activities, with health and social care funding allocated accordingly. The potential savings to public sector budgets of the early prevention and intervention activities which CCHAs are involved in are huge. The Forum has anxieties that some of the recent progress made by health and social care in recognising the importance of CCHA involvement in lower level but essential preventative support services, particularly for older people, could be hampered by very significant funding cuts, most notably to social work services. This recognition, and accompanying funding, were hard fought for but now risk being diluted or lost altogether. Next steps