Report of the Executive Director of Adult Social Services

This report provides an update on the latest developments around Extra Care Housing.

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director of Adult Social Services that described the latest developments around Extra Care Housing.

Key points and themes in the report included:

·         Information on the completion of the housing needs analysis providing an indicative increase in the number of additional units/schemes required by 2043;

·         An update on the recent survey by Healthwatch with people currently in Extra Care Housing;

·         Information on the Enabling Independence Accommodation Strategy (EIAS) and how this would impact on the further growth of Extra Care Housing in the city; and

·         The recently published Housing Learning and Improvement Network (HLIN) case study on Neighbourhood Apartments.

The Committee heard from Charlie Norman, Chief Executive of Mosscare St. Vincents who discussed the importance of the Extra Care Housing Strategy and how they worked collaboratively with both Strategic Housing and Adult Social Care. She spoke of the many benefits of the Elmswood Extra Care Scheme that had opened in 2020, including reducing social isolation and supporting independent living in a safe, inclusive and vibrant environment. She stated that she was proud to be working on behalf of the residents of the city, at a neighbourhood level that reflected the Our Manchester strategy. She commented that scheme offered 72 high quality one and two bedroom, low carbon apartments that were all offered at 100% social rent.

Steve Campbell, Extra Care Scheme Manager reiterated the many benefits of Extra Care Housing that had been articulated by the Chief Executive of Mosscare St. Vincents. He added that this model of housing also reduced the need for residents to go into costly residential care. He added that care could be stepped up or stepped down as appropriate in a safe setting.

The Committee heard from Mary Moylan resident of Elmswood Extra Care Scheme who spoke of their experience of living in Extra Care Housing. She described her home as lovely, and said she felt safe and secure. She added that the environment was very supportive and there were many opportunities to socialise and take part in activities. The Committee expressed their gratitude to Mary for attending the meeting and contributing to the meeting.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were:

·         Welcoming the delivery of 100% social rent accommodation at the Elmswood Extra Care Scheme; and

·         Welcoming Extra Care Schemes and recognising the benefits these had for residents.

The Assistant Director – Commissioning commented that the Housing Needs Analysis that was described in the report used a variety of data sets to inform future planning. She commented that the findings indicated that an additional 15 Extra Care Home Schemes would be required, a doubling of the existing offer. She added that 11 of the 12 current schemes were all offered at 100% social rent, with the remaining one being mixed tenure. The Commissioning Manager, Strategic Housing added that providing Extra Care Schemes supported people to safely right-size and this released larger family homes into the market.

The Assistant Director – Commissioning responded to a comment from a Member regarding the possibility of delivering Extra Care Housing for a mixture of citizens, such as Learning Disabled citizens and an intergenerational offer by stating that consideration could be given to this and building upon the positive model that Extra Care offered.

The Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care commented that Health partners were working collaboratively with colleagues in Strategic Housing and the ambition was to increase the number of Extra Care Schemes across the city.

The Committee expressed their gratitude to all guests for attending the meeting and contributing to the meeting.

Decision

To note the report.