Cuts to adaptations funding
Scottish Government Misses an Open Goal with Cuts to Home Adaptatio...
The SFHA has said today (Wednesday 26th October 2011) that the Scottish Government has missed an open goal on its "spend to save" agenda by cutting the budget for specialist adaptations
to allow people to stay in their homes for longer.
The housing adaptations budget for 2012-13 is being further cut from £8m to £6m - a cut of 25%. The overall affordable housing budget is being cut by 31% this year.
David Ogilvie, SFHA Policy & Strategy Manager said:
"The Scottish Government responded to the Christie Commission recently by stating that they were keen to make a decisive shift towards prevention. And yet, by cutting the budget for housing associations and co-operatives' housing adaptations, the Scottish Government has missed an open goal here. While the cut to adaptations funding is not as bad as the 31% overall cut to the housing budget, it's still a huge missed opportunity.
"Adapting homes means that vulnerable elderly or disabled people can stay at home near their friends and family. It not only protects the public purse but also protects people's dignity and their ability to live independently in their communities.
"Adaptations, such as grab rails and stair lifts, can save the NHS thousands of pounds and should be a key part of the Scottish Government's declared new emphasis on preventing social problems. Cutting this budget is short-sighted and risks seeing people transferred to care homes, hospitals, or other costly institutions, when it could be avoided."
Mr Ogilvie concluded:
"We appeal to the Scottish Government to reconsider this cut, and to ensure housing has a greater profile in the £80m Change Fund, intended to help the NHS, local authorities and others provide shared services."
Case Study - Study Shows Value of Adaptations
Bield, Hanover (Scotland) & Trust Housing Associations have published their Social Return on Investment (SROI) study, which has highlighted that adaptations undertaken to sheltered and very sheltered housing (known as Stage 3 adaptations) save millions of pounds for the Scottish Government. Specifically, the study demonstrated that the investment across the three housing associations created approximately £5.3 million in cost savings to the Scottish Government, from a £1.4 million spend. This gives a total return on investment of £5.50 to £6.00 for every £1 invested, and the Scottish Government alone recoups £3.50 - £4.00 for every £1 it invests.
On average, each adaptation in these settings saves the Scottish health and social care system over £10,000. This is equivalent to 483 hours of home care, 19 weeks in a Care Home with nursing care, or two orthopaedic operations. (2)
ends
For further information, contact Claire Munro on t: 0141 567 6224 m: 07771926778 or e: cmunro@sfha.co.uk
Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk
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