Social Landlord Service: Additional Support Policy

2.1.The Council's definition of requiring additional support not only includes those who may be considered as in need of community care and support services. It also extends to anyone who experiences difficulties with everyday living and or who needs additional support to meet their obligations under their tenancy or licence agreement or to access Council services. There may be some overlap with those who have a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

2.2.It is important to understand that not all those falling within the protected groups of the Equality Act will require additional support. For example, it is not correct to assume that all older people are in need of additional support even though there may be evidence to suggest that some will. Appendix 1 contains suggestions of people who might require additional support, though this is not intended to be an exhaustive or inclusive list.

2.3.People may well require additional support for reasons other than those specifically covered by equalities legislation. In particular, the Council's approach to these people recognises that need may not be a permanent state and that people can require additional support at various times for different reasons (as example following bereavement or relationship breakdown). A person can require additional support  as a result of a single problem; condition or a combination of factors. It may be because they are isolated from their support network or not coping with their current circumstances. Appendix 1 also suggests some indicators or points of when a person may require additional support.

2.4.The nature of the support provided will depend on the level of individual's or household's circumstances. Some support may be provided by the Council directly. In many cases it will be more appropriate for support to be provided by specialist external agencies following a referral from the Council. Support may be short or longer term. Sometimes support is time limited with a view to encouraging an individual to alter their lifestyle and/or to gain the skills, motivation or confidence to move on to greater independence. Appendix 2 provides a summary of the support that the Council will and can provide along with the role it will play in relation to support provided by other agencies. 

2.5.  In some cases, the Council will change its approach to the way it delivers services to reflect the additional support needs of a tenant or leaseholder and their household.  These reasonable adjustments will be made on a case-by-case basis reflecting the individual needs of the tenant or leaseholder and what service or decision is being made.