The Welsh Audit Office has released its Housing Adaptations report, outlining how the current adaptation system is failing to work efficiently and how public bodies are not utilising all opportunities to improve value for money
Tai Pawb and Disability Wales both believe that the effective administration of housing adaptation services is an essential requirement in supporting independent living and wellbeing for older and disabled people in Wales.
Some 70 organisations deliver housing adaptations in Wales, every year collectively spending approximately £60m and assisting over 32,000 people.
The funding arrangements for adaptations are complex and have helped to create an inefficient delivery system. One of the consequences of this complexity is that people with similar needs often receive very different standards of service simply because of where they live and which public body provides the adaptation.
The housing adaptations report recommends a ‘person-centred’ approach, integrating services across sectors.
Martyn Jones, head of policy and communications at Tai Pawb, said: “Tai Pawb has worked closely with Welsh Government, our members and key stakeholders on improving the provision of adaptations services for many years.
“There is good practice to learn from and share but the auditor general’s report clearly highlights inconsistencies that must be addressed.
“We are also working closely with the EHRC on their inquiry into housing for disabled people and believe that this work, combined with the auditor general’s report, will lead to tangible improvements in the design and delivery of adaptation services across Wales.
“However, we must remember that supporting older and disabled people to live independently and promoting their wellbeing is not just about better services, it is about protecting fundamental human rights.”
Miranda Evans, policy and programmes manager at Disability Wales added: “Disability Wales gave evidence to the Welsh Assembly housing adaptation inquiry back in 2012 outlining the many issues faced by disabled people.
“It is frustrating to hear that although progress has been made in terms of simplifying the system through the introduction of Enable, a Welsh Government funded process, issues still exist.”
