Local Strategic Engagement
The current context
The coalition document and Queen's speech herald a radical devolution of power from central to local government, a Minister for decentralisation has been created and a bill for decentralisation and localism proposed. The Government concept of 'big society' is expected to encourage people to take an active role in the community and supports the work of charities. Because of this accelerated direction of travel accompanied by the climate of public sector cuts, it has become increasingly crucial that providers of housing related support understand and are able to engage with local decision making structures. In order to support both providers and commissioners of services for those with multiple needs and exclusions and other vulnerable people Sitra has developed a range of products and provides services including our regional work in the North East, West Midlands and South West. For more on how to improve local strategic engagement contact sueb@sitra.org
- In order to influence local priority setting providers need to appreciate how decisions are made in their locality. Visit here for information and resources on local engagement including the role of voluntary and community sector networks.
- Local strategic partnerships (LSPs) role in the shaping of communities including the planning and commissioning of services is expected to increase substantially. Read more about the role of the LSP and see resources available to assist in engaging and influencing them.
- Providers and commissioners of housing related support will need to think about how they demonstrate the cost benefit and value of preventative services. For more information visit our webpage on demonstrating value
Housing support cuts will ‘put vulnerable people at risk’
Sitra were pleased to be involved in the Local Government Information Unit Report ‘Promoting Independence; the future of housing related support’ which has now been released.
Sitra's CEO, Vic Rayner said:
“Sitra welcome this report supporting continued investment in preventative services particularly at a time when councils are under enormous pressure to make savings. The research reflects our own findings regarding cuts in monies for housing related support and we agree that such cuts are counter productive if they result in more costly services being required in the future. We applaud the innovative and creative arrangements that both local authorities and providers have embraced in order to retain these valuable services and reiterate that commissioners should use their freedoms and flexibilities in their partnership with providers through models of outcomes based commissioning. We were pleased that the report referenced the valuable work that was carried out by Sitra and the Yorkshire and Humber housing related support group and our project on localism.
The full report can be found at the Circle corporate website at
Promoting Independence; The future of housing related support
Ten questions elected members should be asking themselves about Supporting People
Read our briefing for councillors on the importance of Supporting People.
Localism Act 2011
The Localism Act received Royal Assent in November 2011.
Sitra's Briefing on its implications for the housing, care and support sector is here.
The Government has published a plain English guide to the Act here.
CLG Select Committee on localism: Sitra's response
The Communities and Local Government Committee conducted an inquiry into the Governments plans for localism and decentralisation of public services. The Committee invited written submissions by 1 October 2010.
Sitra held a joint round table discussion with ACEVO on the 17 September, as well as consulting with providers.
Making the local case for housing support services
At this time of threatened severe cuts to public spending, many provider organisations want to make the case for the benefits of preventative housing support services. The South West Regional Provider Forum agreed that a template or model document, which local Provider Forums could adapt and supplement with local information to use in local work with MPs, councillors and any other decision makers they can influence, would be a valuable resource. It would be usable first in relation to the Government’s Spending Review, but after that with a more local focus as local authorities decide what to prioritise. Sitra has drafted a template briefing from which providers can select what they think will work best in their area. National sources of information are referenced in the documents. Local sources of information will include the authority’s Supporting People and Sustainable Community Strategies, Local Area Agreement priorities and targets, any local modelling of the Capgemini financial benefits tool and authority level outcomes reports from the Centre for Housing Research at St Andrews.
For guidance on identifying who to brief, see Sitra’s report on local strategic engagement, Navigating the Maze.
