Half of Support Services surveyed face cash flow problems

Up to half of all housing support services have faced cash flow problems, according to a new report published by the Scottish Council for Single Homeless. "In Need of Support? A Survey of Supporting People Providers Six Months On" reveals that many providers experienced problems, following the introduction of the Government's new funding regime for housing support services, Supporting People, in April.

Dr. Andrew Waugh, the author of the report, said "This significant survey covered providers who accounted for an estimated 11% of all Supporting People spend in Scotland . Cash flow problems are clearly a major headache for some providers and these have been caused by delayed payments or smaller than expected payments from local authorities. Some services may be at risk if this is not sorted out quickly."

"It is ironic that some housing support services may have to downsize at a time when the need for them is increasing, especially once new duties under the Homelessness etc. ( Scotland ) Act 2003 commence. Although there has been a welcome increase in overall funding for housing support services, there are clearly a number of serious difficulties. If we are to meet the objective of reducing homelessness substantially in Scotland , it is vital that support services are in place with their funding secured."

The report, based on a survey of over 100 providers working across 29 local authorities, will be published on Tuesday 18th November.

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1. SCSH is the national membership organisation for individuals and organisations working with homeless people.
2. On 1 April 2003 , funding for housing support services moved from Transitional Housing Benefit (THB) funding to Supporting People (SP) funding. During April and May 2003, the Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) became aware of a number of issues which its members were experiencing and sought to establish whether these were isolated problems or wider issues experienced more generally by housing support providers.