North Ayrshire s Older People Housing Strategy

Transcription

1 North Ayrshire s Older People Housing Strategy

2 Contents INTRODUCTION Purpose and Aims 5 Our Vision 5 Our Outcomes 5 This document can also be made available in other formats such as audiotape, CD, braille and in large print. It can also be made available in other languages on request. Strategic Framework 6 National Context 6 Legislative Drivers 6 Local Strategic Framework 7 DEVELOPING OUR STRATEGY Working Together to Shape the Strategy 8 Equal Opportunities 9 Strategic Environmental Assessment 9 Comments or questions about this strategy, including requests for support information or documentation, should be made to: Older People Housing Manager North Ayrshire Council Housing Services 5th Floor, Cunninghame House Irvine, KA12 8EE Telephone: Fax: developmentandstrategy@north-ayrshire.gov.uk PROFILE OF NORTH AYRSHIRE Sub Housing Market Areas 10 Demographic Profile 11 Tenure Profile 13 Health Profile 14 Older People s Housing Wants and Needs

3 STRATEGIC OUTCOMES Local Outcome 1: Clear strategic leadership and joint planning are in place about the housing outcomes to be delivered for older people 19 Local Outcome 2: Information and advice needed by older people to make the best decisions about their housing and support is provided 20 Local Outcome 3: Older people are better assisted to remain in, and make best use of existing stock 21 Local Outcome 4: The needs of older people for housing related low level, preventative support are met 22 Local Outcome 5: Investment in new housing provision across the sectors meets the future needs of older people 23 ACCOUNTABILITY 24 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 26 Introduction PURPOSE AND AIMS The Older People Housing Strategy sets out our plan for providing housing and housing related support for the older population in North Ayrshire. This is a response to the forecast rapid rise in the 65+ years population across the next 30 years. An ageing society is one of the great challenges for housing. It is expected by 2035 that the number of older people in North Ayrshire aged years will increase by 27%. Those aged 75+ years will rise by 84%. This has consequences for the housing system in ensuring that suitable housing options are available for the rise of older people. We have identified five strategic outcomes which will allow us to achieve our vision: Our Vision To create a multi-agency framework to jointly deliver positive outcomes for the older people of North Ayrshire; by providing the choice of housing, related support and preventative services they want and need. Our Outcomes Clear strategic leadership is in place at a local level about the housing outcomes to be delivered for older people The information and advice needed by older people to make the best decisions about their housing and support is provided Older people are better assisted to remain in, and make best use of, existing housing stock The needs of older people for low level, preventative support are planned for and met Investment in new housing provision across sectors takes into account the current and future needs of older people Throughout this document, we refer to research, other strategies and plans. This information is available on request, as are additional copies of this strategy. We have included a glossary at the end of the strategy to assist the reader with any unfamiliar terms. 4 5

4 STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK National Context The strategic documents that have provided the framework for the Older People Housing Strategy are: National Older People s Housing Strategy Homes Fit for the 21st Century Shifting the Balance of Care (Housing and Community Care Policy) Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The Christie Commission Report Legislative Drivers The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 remains the principal legislative driver for Local Housing Strategies. However, related legislation has also shaped housing policy over the last decade and has been considered in this strategic process: Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 Equality Act 2010 Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 Local Strategic Framework The Older People Housing Strategy is a sub-strategy of the Local Housing Strategy It was commissioned to ensure that the challenges of housing an ageing population and its implications for housing providers could be identified and addressed. The housing markets on the islands of Arran and Cumbrae were also highlighted within the Local Housing Strategy as areas that required further research. To ensure that the islands are represented fully, a separate piece of research will be carried out and an island specific Older People Housing Strategy produced. The Older People Housing Strategy sits within a framework that clearly demonstrates our joint working approach (shown in the diagram below). Figure 1: Local Strategic Framework SINGLE OUTCOME AGREEMENT The National Dementia Strategy The National Carers Strategy , and Reshaping Care for Older People Difficult economic conditions and Welfare Reform provide a challenging backdrop to the Older People Housing Strategy. Scotland will have an increased demand for older people s housing and services at a time when budgets are severely restricted. Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 NHS and Community Care Act 1990 Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY COUNCIL PLAN SERVICE PLAN OLDER PEOPLE HOUSING STRATEGY 6 7

5 Developing Our Strategy WORKING TOGETHER TO SHAPE THE STRATEGY Throughout the development of the Older People Housing Strategy we have worked with the older population of North Ayrshire to identify housing issues which are important to them. The main part of our engagement process was carried out through the Older People Housing Survey which included 1,600 face to face interviews with older people living in North Ayrshire, across all tenures. Figure 2: Older People Engagement Process A series of presentations and workshops were conducted with older people and key service partners to discuss the main issues Conducted additional workshops to explore the findings and receive feedback on suggested outcomes Publish the NAOPHS and continue to work with older people and stakeholders to deliver the outcomes of the NAOPHS Conducted over 1,600 face-toface interviews with the older people of North Ayrshire Conducted follow up focus groups to explore the key issues identified in the initial interviews The input of our partners has also been crucial. Additional research and consultation was undertaken with key stakeholder groups as well as presentations and workshops carried out with members of the following groups: Community Housing Partnership Sheltered Housing Forum North Ayrshire Council Housing Managers Community Health Partnership Officers Locality Group Social Services Managers Registered Social Landlords Age Scotland, and North Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Network This strategy identifies a number of shared priorities across Housing, Social Care and Health. This presents an opportunity for improved joint working to deliver the services older people want and need. Equal Opportunities North Ayrshire Council is committed to ensuring equality and opportunity for all residents and to address any form of discrimination on the grounds of: Age Disability Race Religion or Belief Gender Gender Reassignment Sexual Orientation, and Maternity and Pregnancy We will eliminate discrimination and harassment for the services we are responsible for and we will take appropriate action to achieve this, including legal and non-legal remedies. The Older People Housing Strategy was the subject of an Equality Impact Assessment and has been assessed as having no negative or discriminatory effect on any of the equality groups listed in this section. This strategy has a positive impact for older people. Strategic Environmental Assessment The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on Local Authorities to prepare an environmental report on any plans, procedures or strategies that may have an effect on the environment. The environmental report and associated plan must be open to meaningful public consultation. The Older People Housing Strategy is a sub strategy of the Local Housing Strategy There has been a full environmental assessment conducted through the development of the Local Housing Strategy. The issues highlighted within the report cover all aspects of that strategy and there is therefore no requirement for an additional report. 8 9

6 Profile of North Ayrshire North Ayrshire is located on the West Coast of Scotland and shares borders with Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. The area covers 342 square miles. North Ayrshire is home to 135,000 people. Most reside in the Irvine Bay area (south coast), which encompasses Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston. The other main settlements of Dalry, Kilbirnie, Beith and Largs spread northwards into the more rural areas. There are two island communities, on Arran and on Cumbrae, which account for 5% of the overall North Ayrshire population. SUB HOUSING MARKET AREAS There are five Sub Housing Market Areas within North Ayrshire: Arran Garnock Valley Irvine/Kilwinning North Coast Three Towns Sub housing markets are areas where households either currently live or work and, if they wished to move, areas where they would search for alternative accommodation. Therefore, if housing need is identified in a particular sub market, it is reasonable to assume that the household would expect to meet that need in the same area. Demographic DEMOGRAPHIC Profile PROFILE North Ayrshire s demographic profile, compared to the Scottish average is significantly North Ayrshire s demographic profile, compared to the Scottish average is significantly different. different. This This will will influence how we plan for for an an ageing ageing population. The The data data estimates that North estimates Ayrshire that will North have Ayrshire a larger will percentage have a larger increase percentage in those increase aged in those 75+ years aged than the national 75+ years average than the and national a significant average decrease and a significant in the age decrease bands in that the currently age bands provide that a large proportion currently provide of informal a large care proportion to older people. of informal care to older people. Chart Chart 1: 1: North Ayrshire 20 Year Age Age Profile Profile Projections (using 2010 Mid-Year Estimates as a base line) (using 2010 Mid-Year Estimates as a base line) (Source: GROS 2010) (Source: GROS 2010) GROS Demographic Projec3ons: North Ayrshire Chart 2 provides a useful breakdown of the numbers of older people across the sub housing market areas of North Ayrshire and highlights that the largest number of older people currently live in the Irvine/Kilwinning area. The growing elderly population, particularly in the Irvine/Kilwinning area suggests a substantial growing need for care and housing support services

7 Irvine/ Kilwinning Three Towns Garnock Valley North Coast Arran Total 20,743, ,707 10,670 2,646 % of people aged 50+ by total 36.74% 36.88% 38.59% 49.76% 50.91% Chart 2 provides a useful breakdown of the numbers of older people across the sub housing market areas of North Ayrshire and highlights that the largest number of older people currently live in the Irvine/Kilwinning area. The growing elderly population, particularly in the Irvine/Kilwinning area suggests a substantial growing need for care and housing support services. Chart 2: 2010 GROS Mid-Year Estimates by Sub Housing Market Area (SHMA) Chart 2: 2010 GROS Mid-Year Estimates by Sub Housing Market Area 50+ by SHMA (Source: Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics Mid Year Population Estimates 2010) TENURE PROFILE Tenure Profile The majority (68%) of residents in North Ayrshire are owner occupiers, many of whom The own majority their (68%) property of residents outright. in This North suggests Ayrshire there are owner is the potential occupiers, for many equity of whom release. own their property outright. This suggests there is the potential for equity release. In North Ayrshire, 20% of residents live in the social rented sector. However, across the In North older Ayrshire, population, 20% this of figure residents rises live to in 36%. the social rented sector. However, across the older Chart population, 3: North this Ayrshire figure rises Current to 36%. Housing Arrangements for those aged 50+ Chart 3: North Ayrshire Current Housing Arrangements for those aged 50+ Do you own or rent this home or is there some other arrangement? 41% 30% 20% 6% 2% 2% 0% 0% Irvine/ Kilwinning Three Towns Garnock Valley Total 20,743, ,707 10,670 2,646 % of people aged 50+ by total 36.74% 36.88% 38.59% 49.76% 50.91% (Source: Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics Mid Year Population Estimates 2010) North Coast Tenure Profile The majority (68%) of residents in North Ayrshire are owner occupiers, many of whom own their property outright. This suggests there is the potential for equity release. Arran (Source: Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics Mid Year Population Estimates 2010) Rent from NAC Rent from HA/ charitable trust Rent from private landlord (furnished) Rent from private landlord (unfurnished) Own outright Buying with a loan/mortgage Shared owner (part own, part rent) Don t know The The large large levels levels of owner of owner occupation occupation also also suggest suggest a substantial a substantial future future demand demand for equipment for equipment and housing and housing adaptations adaptations to enable to older enable people older to people remain to living remain independently living in their independently own homes. in their own homes. 10 In North Ayrshire, 20% of residents live in the social rented sector. However, across the older population, this figure rises to 36%. Chart 3: North Ayrshire Current Housing Arrangements for those aged 50+ Do you own or rent this home or is there some other arrangement? 41% 30% 20% 6% 2% 2% 0% 0% Rent from NAC Rent from HA/ charitable trust Rent from private landlord (furnished) Rent from private landlord (unfurnished) Own outright Buying with a loan/mortgage Shared owner (part own, part rent) Don t know 12 13

8 Health Profile HEALTH PROFILE The health of the older population will play a fundamental role in the demand profile for specialist The housing, health of the housing older population adaptations will and play housing a fundamental related role support. in the demand It is therefore critical that we profile begin for the specialist process housing, of finding housing out what adaptations areas, and tenures housing and related ages support. are most It affected by poor health is therefore and mobility. critical that we begin the process of finding out what areas, tenures and ages are most affected by poor health and mobility. Chart 4 Chart shows 4 shows that the that greatest the greatest demand demand for for older older people s housing and and associated services will be services within Irvine/Kilwinning will be within Irvine/Kilwinning and the Three and Towns the Three area. Towns Levels area. of Levels need of and need support and requirements support will requirements therefore will need therefore to be planned need to be for planned at a localised for at a localised level. level. Chart 4: North Ayrshire 50+ years Health by Sub Housing Market Area Chart 4: North Ayrshire 50+ years Health by Sub Housing Market Area Do you have any long term illness, health problem or disability which limits your daily activities or the work you can do (including problems due to old age)? OLDER PEOPLE S HOUSING WANTS AND NEEDS The Older People Housing Survey provided an understanding of what older people want locally and some of the results are discussed in this section. When asked about their future housing aspirations the majority of people would prefer to stay in their existing home regardless of how their needs changed. Chart Chart 5: Future 5: Future Housing Housing Aspirations Aspirations Regardless of your current plans, what would be your preferred option in the future, if or when your needs change? Receive care in your own home / stay in own home Sheltered housing Amenity housing (wheelchair accessible) 2% 10% 77% 47% 49% Retirement complex Extra care (sheltered housing with meals provided) 2% 1% 22% 31% Three towns Arran Garnock Valley Irvine/Kilwinning North Coast Older People s Housing Wants and Needs The Older People Housing Survey provided an understanding of what older people want locally and some of the results are discussed in this section. 23% The main The main reasons reasons people people were were currently considering moving home were due to accessibility, accessibility, maintenance maintenance and and affordability. affordability. However, However, the the majority majority have no intentions to to move home (77%). This was a recurrent theme in various questions asked move throughout home (77%). the survey. This was Those a recurrent who acknowledged theme in various that their questions home was asked no longer throughout the survey. suitable Those for who their acknowledged needs, still chose that not their to move. home This was suggests no longer people suitable may be for unaware their needs, still chose of the not alternative to move. housing This suggests options which people are may available be unaware to them. of the alternative housing options which are available to them. The survey asked older people who did plan to move home, what they thought the current barriers would be (see Chart 6). Chart 6: Barriers to Moving Other Unsure / don't know Haven't considered any other options 2% 0% 5% Base: Unweighted, 1,468; Weighted, n=47, When asked about their future housing aspirations the majority of people would prefer to stay in their existing home regardless of how their needs changed (Chart 5). 11 d>?@!;h!>0>16>k63!i/;i3/db!12!>/3>! d>?@!;h!klb3/<!h;/!sb!?l//32d!:;s3! d>?@!;h!>e;/j>k63!i/;i3/m3<!d;!klb!12!>/3><!;h!?:;1?3! %G! d>?@!;h!>e;/j>k63!i/;i3/m3<!d;!/32d!12!d:3!>/3><!;h!?:;1?3!,g! R3cL1/3!12H;/S>M;2!>2J!>J01?3!>K;LD!;IM;2<!>0>16>K63! *G! d>?@!;h!<l1d>k634!>0>16>k63!s;/d8>83!i/;jl?d<! (G! R3cL1/3!D;!<>03!>!?;2<1J3/>K63!J3I;<1D!D;!>??3<<!S;/D8>83! (G! \2<L/3!:;7!D:3!?L//32D!3?;2;S1?!?61S>D3!S>B!>e3?D!D:3S! (G!.!J;2bD!233J!D;!S;03!JL3!D;!:3>6D:! (G! d;28!7>1m28!61<d! #G! R3cL1/3<!<I3?1>61<D!>??;SS;J>M;2!;/!<LII;/D!D:>D!1<!2;D!>0>16>K63! #G! VD:3/! )G! (,G! *)G! 15

9 The survey asked older people who did plan to move home, what they thought the current barriers would be (see Chart 6). Chart 6: Barriers to Moving Lack of available property in area Lack of buyers for my current home Lack of affordable properties to buy in areas of choice Lack of affordable properties to rent in the areas of choice Require information and advice about options available Lack of suitable / available mortgage products Require to save a considerable deposit to access mortgage Unsure how the current economic climate may affect them What, if anything, do you think might prevent you from moving? 2% 2% 2% 3% 7% 8% 27% 35% The current economic climate is playing a significant role in relation to older people s ability to move. The key areas identified by those indicating a desire to move home were the lack of available properties within areas of choice and a lack of buyers for their current property. The survey asked residents in sheltered housing their reasons for moving to this type of housing development. The survey found that the majority of older people moved to sheltered housing only when their housing was no longer suitable. This raises two key issues in terms of: how to encourage people who may need to plan ahead for reduced mobility in later life, and how best to support those who need to move at a time when they have a reduced ability Bungalows were the number one choice for 63% of those considering moving home. The main reason older people chose bungalows was a perceived increase in accessibility and space. The Local Housing Strategy recognised that the specific market contexts of the islands of Arran and Cumbrae required further research. To ensure the islands have been fully represented, an Addendum to the North Ayrshire Older People Housing Strategy has been produced. I don t need to move due to health Long waiting list Requires specialist accommodation or support that is not available 2% 1% 1% Other 5% Nothing will prevent me from moving 28% Don t know / not thought about it 6% 16 17

10 Strategic Outcomes The format of this strategy is set out to clearly demonstrate the aspirations of older people and other key stakeholders. It also highlights how we will work with our partners to translate that feedback into positive action and deliver the housing outcomes that older people want to see achieved within North Ayrshire. Figure 3: Key Outcomes CLEAR STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP LOCAL OUTCOME 1 Clear strategic leadership and joint planning are in place about the housing outcomes to be delivered for older people Specific Local Outcomes Older people, carers, housing providers and the Third Sector are involved in the strategic planning processes that affect them, through new and existing mechanisms The future need and demand for older people specific housing is clearly identified within North Ayrshire A clear strategic and budgetary framework is established and maintained between Social Care, Housing and the NHS, to jointly deliver positive housing and care outcomes for older people NEW HOUSING PROVISION INFORMATION AND ADVICE Key Actions ( ) Clear identification of the current working group architecture that relates specifically to older people should be undertaken and opportunities identified to involve older people, the Third/Independent Sector and carers in making the decisions that affect them, along with Social Care and the NHS KEY OUTCOMES The Housing Needs and Demand Assessment specifically explores older people s housing needs in addition the future Local Development Plan (LDP) and Local Housing Strategy (LHS) should have a designated section for older people s housing PREVENTATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES BETTER USE OF EXISTING HOUSING A review of older people specific budgets and outcomes across housing providers, Social Care and the NHS should be undertaken to identify any duplication of services and identify opportunities for joint working and efficiency The creation of standard shared boundaries (operating areas such as Sub Housing Market Areas etc.) between Housing, Social Care and the NHS. This would allow the same data to be used in the decision making processes across areas and service providers 18 19

11 LOCAL OUTCOME 2 Information and advice needed by older people to make the best decisions about their housing and support is provided LOCAL OUTCOME 3 Older people are better assisted to remain in, and make best use of existing stock Specific Local Outcomes Older people are aware of how their housing needs could change and are encouraged to plan for the future Older people have a single point of contact where they can access the information and advice, in the appropriate format, that is needed to select the right housing and housing related support options available to them Key Actions ( ) Develop a Housing Options approach (already identified in the LHS Action Plan) and being progressed through the North Ayrshire Housing Register Working Group Develop a housing related support information service (already identified in LHS Action Plan) Develop a joint information and engagement strategy for older people with our partners in Housing, Social Care and Health, encompassing the following elements: A review of information services available for older people and how they are advertised e.g. Citizen s Advice, Age Scotland, Carers Centre, TACT etc Development of a proactive approach to encouraging older people to think about the suitability of their housing for later life To work with Scottish Government towards a national information and advice standard for older people Raise awareness of the issues surrounding the changing demographic within North Ayrshire and its implications Specific Local Outcomes Equipment and adaptations services are provided to assist people to live independently in their own homes and easily accessible to all tenures Older people specific housing (e.g. sheltered housing, amenity etc.) is utilised to its full potential An accessibility criteria (i.e. properties graded in terms of suitability for older people) for North Ayrshire s existing social rented housing stock is developed The existing general needs housing suitable for older people is identified and its potential to become specifically designated as older people s housing assessed Key Actions ( ) Development of an accessibility criteria to measure North Ayrshire s existing social housing stock against Conduct a review of current preventative service provision within North Ayrshire and how it is currently advertised Develop a community hub model specification within sheltered housing in conjunction with tenants and stakeholders Review Allocations Policy for sheltered and amenity accommodation Assess the use of pressured area status to protect the limited number of general needs social housing stock that is suitable for older people and designate as older people specific housing 20 21

12 LOCAL OUTCOME 4 The needs of older people for housing related low level, preventative support are met LOCAL OUTCOME 5 Investment in new housing provision across the sectors meets the future needs of older people Specific Local Outcomes Older people have a one stop shop advice and information service, provided in partnership with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), the Third Sector, Social Services, NHS and other key partners Preventative services for older people are jointly developed, expanded and resourced Older people are better assisted to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions through preventative housing assessment and associated services Preventative services for older people are fair and equitable Key Actions ( ) Working in partnership with an RSL partner to develop a Public Social Partnership model that will manage and provide cross tenure preventative services such as Care and Repair, handyperson and small repairs services Develop a one stop shop service for the provision of housing advice for older people Work closely with the Third Sector to develop services within the NAC sheltered housing complexes to increase physical activity levels, encourage the uptake and development of new skills and address instances of social isolation Develop a community hub model and specification within sheltered housing in conjunction with tenants and stakeholders Specific Local Outcomes New build social housing projects take account of the particular needs of the changing demographic within North Ayrshire Private sector awareness of the changing demographic is increased Increased partnership working between social housing providers and the private sector to identify innovative ways to finance new housing developments suitable for older people Key Actions ( ) Review housing mix methodology for new social housing developments to ensure the ageing population of North Ayrshire is recognised Assess cluster model housing as an appropriate housing type for older people Develop a joint information and engagement strategy for older people with key partners within the Housing Sector, Social Services, NHS, the Third and Independent Sector, encompassing the following elements: A review of information services available for older people and how they are advertised Develop a proactive approach to encouraging older people to think about the suitability of their home to meet their health needs To work with Scottish Government towards a national information and advice standard for older people Raise awareness of the issues surrounding the changing demographic and its implications Investigate opportunities for social housing providers, Social Services, Health and the private sectors to work in partnership to develop older people specific housing 22 23

13 Accountability The Older People Housing Strategy is a sub strategy of the Local Housing Strategy ; therefore the established governance structure, shown in Figure 4, will be accountable for monitoring the actions set out within the strategy. The Older People Housing Team will be accountable for progressing the actions identified to deliver the specific local outcomes. The future consolidation of the Local Housing Strategy and Older People Housing Strategy into one complete strategy would help ensure that older people are represented throughout the Local Housing Strategy, Housing Need and Demand Assessment and Local Development Planning processes. Figure 4: LHS Governance Structure Cabinet of North Ayrshire Council Local Housing Strategy Forum North Ayrshire Housing Partnership North Ayrshire Landlord Forum Sustainable Housing (LHS) Sub Group Private Sector (LHS) Sub Group Rural Housing (LHS) Sub Group Housing Support (LHS) Sub Group Prevention of Homelessness (LHS) Sub Group Affordable Housing (LHS) Sub Group 24 25

14 Glossary of Terms Accessibility: The degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. Accessibility can be viewed as the ability to access and benefit from some system, object or place. Accountability: Demonstrating and taking responsibility for performance. Accountability is concerned not only with reporting on or discussing actions already completed, but also engaging with stakeholders to understand and respond to their views. Amenity Housing: Housing that is intended for people with particular needs and will be equipped with special modifications to ease accessibility. Community Health Partnership: Aims to create the highest quality primary and community estate that serves the needs of the local communities contributing towards improving people s health and wellbeing. Demographic: Studies of a population based on factors such as age, race, income level and employment. Demographics are used to learn more about a population s characteristics for many purposes. Equipment and Adaptations: Specialist equipment and adaptations, such as handrails, stair-lifts or hoists that can make it easier for people to live independently in their own home. Equity Release: Equity release is a way that older homeowners can release cash from their home without having to move. Money is borrowed against the value of the property, but nothing is paid back until the property is sold either after death or when moving into long-term care. Housing Need and Demand Assessment: Research which informs the development of Local Housing Strategies and Local Development Plans. A Housing Need and Demand Assessment provides the evidence base upon which housing supply targets are defined and suitable available land is allocated. Independent Sector: An umbrella term for all non-statutory agencies delivering services. This includes a range of private companies and voluntary organisations. Local Development Plan: The overarching plan which sets out all developments within North Ayrshire over the next years. The proposed plan sets out policies and proposals for the development and use of land and provides a basis for the assessment of planning applications. Local Housing Strategy: A strategic document detailing how the Council and its partners will tackle challenges and issues within the local housing system, over the next five years. Multi-Agency: Services or activities which involve staff drawn from a range of organisations such as Health, Social Services Education and Voluntary. North Ayrshire Housing Register: The North Ayrshire Housing Register is a partnership letting service provided by North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame Housing Association, Irvine Housing Association and ANCHO. Pressured Area Status: Considered in areas where the demand for social housing outweighs supply. The purpose of pressured area status is to protect the amount of affordable housing in an area by suspending the right to buy for some tenants. Reshaping Care: The planning and provision of services in much more integrated ways between GP s, hospitals and community based health, social care, housing and independent sectors. It means improving the whole range of services and designing better ways of communicating across different agencies in support of this. Shifting The Balance Of Care: Aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland by increasing emphasis on health improvement and care to assist disabled adults and children to live independently in their own homes. Strategic Outcomes: A desired outcome or end result to which efforts are ultimately directed. Provides direction and guidance to ensure that desired outcomes are reached. The Third Sector: The voluntary sector, community sector, non-profit sector. It is the sphere of social activity undertaken by organisations that are not for profit and non-governmental

15 Comments or questions about this strategy, including requests for support information or documentation, should be made to: Older People Housing Manager North Ayrshire Council Housing Services 5th Floor, Cunninghame House Irvine, KA12 8EE Telephone: Fax: