Strategic relevance

There are several elements to the service review process that encompasses the quality, demand, performance, cost effectiveness and value for money of a service. Supporting People funds housing-related support services that are strategically relevant.

Strategically relevant services are services that:

• contribute to the strategic objectives of the Kent Five-Year Supporting People Strategy. These objectives reflect local, regional and national strategic priorities and link the Supporting People programme to wider preventative agendas.
  
• provide housing-related support as defined in the Kent Eligibility Policy. This means that the primary purpose of services is to develop or sustain an individual's capacity to live independently in, or gain access to, appropriate accommodation. Services are provided to a defined Supporting People client group.
  
• do not include provision of health care, general social care or personal care, or specialist counselling. This means that services funded by Supporting People are not used to discharge statutory duties under Community Care legislation, or statutory duties in relation to aftercare services provided as a result of hospital discharge under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Supporting People services can complement such services but the level of Supporting People grant must reflect the level of housing-related support provided.