St Mungo’s welcomes the report of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee on Supporting People

04 November 2009

St Mungo's has welcomed the recommendations in the report by the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee that housing and health support should be brought together in a more coordinated way and that CLG should "redouble its efforts" to encourage local authorities to identify need and plan services together.

Charles Fraser, St Mungo's Chief Executive, was one of those asked to give evidence to the Select Committee in June as it prepared this report on the Supporting People programme.

St Mungo's is quoted three times in the final report (pages 16, 20 and 24) in reference to choice of services, varying performances of authorities and length of service contracts.

He said: "We are pleased that the recommendations highlight the importance of CLG's leadership role in encouraging local authorities to identify need and plan services together across borough boundaries for service users who are 'transient'. All too often rough sleepers fall under the radar of joint strategic needs assessments, and we would firmly endorse the recommendation for housing and health support services to work more closely together."

St Mungo's evidence to the Select Committee warned of the potential risks associated with the removal of the ring fence from the Supporting People grant and with the re-prioritisation of funding away from vulnerable groups.

Although the Committee's report does not challenge the removal of the ring fence, St Mungo's is encouraged by the recommendation to clearly identify Supporting People monies within the Area Based Grant monies and that local authorities must be prepared to justify any decisions made to redirect 'Supporting People funding'.

Charles Fraser added: "We will, of course, continue to monitor the impact on our services for the thousands of homeless men and women who rely on them. "

Read the CLG's Select Committee full report

ENDS

Notes to editors

  • For further information contact Judith Higgin, Media and Campaign Manager, St Mungo's, on 020 8762 5645 or email: judith.higgin@mungos.org
  • St Mungo's provides emergency help and runs over 100 projects that house and support homeless people's recovery and prevent rough sleeping. Every year we help thousands of people to make permanent life changes.

Back to latest press releases

Related content