To consider the report of the Housing Enablement Team Service Manager & Interim Lightbulb Service Manager ? (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.     That a 3-year extension to the Housing Enablement Team (HET) agreement be approved until 31 March 2029.

2.     That Blaby District Council continues to act as the host authority for the Housing Enablement Team for the duration of the extension.

3.     That delegated authority be given to the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to monitor progress, review delivery methods and make any minor changes to ensure effective delivery.

Reasons:

1.     The Housing Enablement Team has become a core component of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland health and care system, supporting safe and timely hospital discharge by resolving housing, tenancy and environmental barriers that would otherwise delay recovery and discharge.

2.     A three-year extension provides sufficient time to manage increasing demand and complexity, embed and evaluate service developments and pilots, and align future commissioning decisions with a wider system change, including devolution changes and the proposed local government reorganisation.

Considered – Report of the Lightbulb Service Manager.

Other Options Considered:

Alternative options include decommissioning or significantly reducing the Housing Enablement Team service. These options were not recommended, as they would result in increased delayed discharges, greater pressure on clinical teams, reduced compliance with statutory duties and poorer outcomes for vulnerable residents.