Associations unite to fend off cuts

Supported housing associations in London have formed a group to
promote their interests in the face of potential cuts to the
Supporting People programme.

The support and care group, part of the G15 coalition of 15 London
housing associations, will argue that commissioners should consider
the quality of service and staff expertise provided by registered
social landlords along with costs.

Mark Austin, group member and director of supported housing
provider StepForward, said the private sector could reduce costs by
making cuts to staff pay and conditions, but said that would not
benefit residents.

Andrew Bartlett, supported housing manager at Family Housing
Association, said there was concern among members that some
authorities were trying to reduce Supporting People costs to
unrealistic levels.