Local authorities and housing associations ought to be natural partners. There is so much crossover between the people that they work with, the challenges that these individuals face and the services delivered to meet their needs. In this context, collaboration makes perfect sense.
This case for collaboration is becoming increasingly urgent as pressures being faced by all sectors are starting to have a substantial impact. Councils and health partners are in the middle of monumental cuts to services, which are set to continue well into the next parliament.
Coupled with rising demand across a wide range of areas, transformation offers a way to deliver better services for less. In dealing with this, integration, prevention and early intervention all present a way to drive change, remove duplication from the system, manage demand for costly, acute services and deliver better services for users.
Housing associations too are grappling with the challenges posed by significant welfare reforms which are creating ever growing difficulties for some residents in avoiding arrears and potential evictions.
Supporting residents to gain sustainable employment has become a much greater priority; which means tackling the multiple issues associated with unemployment such as health, wellbeing and poverty. For many individuals who require support, their complex needs are not tightly sealed to one agency or one issue. They are interdependent and often mutually reinforcing, so to tackle them effectively, they require a holistic approach.
Want full article access?
Receive The MJ magazine each week and gain access to all the content on this website with a subscription.
Full website content includes additional, exclusive commentary and analysis on the issues affecting local government.
Already a subscriber? Login