Decision details

The Executive Members for Customer Services have:-

i) approved that the Councils enter a collaboration agreement with WSCC and other Districts and Borough Councils in West Sussex to commission a Housing Related Support Service; and 

ii) agreed to release the agreed budget to commission a joint Housing Related Support Service with WSCC and other Districts and Borough Councils in West Sussex.

Adur Executive Member for Customer Services:

In September 2018, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) announced that it would cut its budget for housing related support from £6.3million to £4.6million in 2019/2020 and then to £2.3million in 20/21. A Task and Finish Group, involving all District and Borough Councils in West Sussex and WSCC was set up with stakeholders and housing  related support services providers to mitigate the impact of the cuts and ensure appropriate support continued to be available to the most vulnerable in our society.

Ensuring people receive the support they need is part of our commitment under Platform 2 of Platforms for our Places and the Councils’ Housing Strategy 2020 - 2023.

Worthing Executive Member for Customer Services:

I totally agree with the proposition of shared working with West Sussex County Council and other authorities. We are all concerned with the many issues around social housing, not just Worthing Borough Council.

Adur Executive Member for Customer Services:

Not to join in with the other Districts and Boroughs in negotiations with West Sussex County Council and not being able to provide the help and support that the more vulnerable persons in Adur require.

Worthing Executive Member for Customer Services: 

It makes good sense for the shared ownership of costs as financially you get a better settlement for those people in need, in a variety of settings.  The welfare of our residents is paramount.