From November 2008, with research undertaken up to February 2009, the Commission carried out this review, specifically for Communities and Local Government (CLG) (external link), which looks at the overall impact and successes of the programme; the progress against the 2005 recommendations; ongoing and existing concerns and new challenges linked to developing policies and changes in the external environment. It also looks for options for overcoming identified barriers and promoting opportunities.
The research to support this review includes an assessment of recent policy and research documents and other available data sources. It includes a survey of Supporting People lead officers, widespread consultation and interviews with stakeholders including providers, chairs of Commissioning Bodies including those from health and probation, Council officers, service users and inspectors. It draws on the findings from inspections carried out between 2005 and 2009.
Supporting People funds housing related support services for a wide range of vulnerable people including older people, people with mental health problems, young people, people with learning difficulties, women suffering domestic violence and offenders. This funding is the largest single investment by local authorities to voluntary sector service providers. The amount invested in the sector exceeds £1 billion each year.