To consider and agree the Supporting People Strategy 2005-2010 for Herefordshire, for submission to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) on 31st March, 2005.  A letter from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister announcing the Supporting People programme and the draft Supporting People Strategy 2005-2010 for Herefordshire are being circulated separately to Cabinet Members.  Copies are available in the Members' Room, on the Council's Website and on request.

THAT  (a)        the financial implications of the proposed Supporting People Distribution Formula as it affects Herefordshire’s Supporting People Programme and Supporting People Strategy 2005-2010 be noted;

(b)               the approach to managing the implications of the distribution formula set out in the Supporting People Strategy 2005 – 2010 be endorsed;

and

(c)the Supporting People Strategy 2005 – 2010 for Herefordshire be approved and the Cabinet Member (Social Care and Strategic Housing) be authorised to make any necessary amendments.

The Council is the Administering Authority for the Supporting People Programme in Herefordshire and is required to submit a Five Year Supporting People Strategy to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister no later than 31st March, 2005.

Despite the extreme challenges in developing a strategy for Herefordshire within the context of current uncertainties, the ODPM expect the delivery of Supporting People Strategies no later than 31st March, 2005.

Supporting People Strategy Group incorporating Provider Forum and key stakeholder representatives