Decision details

The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Jackie Meldrum, the Lead Commissioner and Strategic Director for Adults and Health, who highlighted that:

• Lambeth was a relatively young borough with the older population likely to increase by 25% in the next 10 years.
• The main goal of the Older People’s Housing Programme was to increase the choice and quality of housing for older people throughout the borough, and the review was undertaken closely with those affected.
• The work carried out to date represented a positive outcome for users as many of the homes in sheltered housing schemes have been updated.
• Cheviot Gardens, a new extra care housing scheme developed in partnership with Notting Hill Housing was opened in the last few weeks.
• Where schemes were being closed, officers ensured that friends and groups of tenants could move together if they wish.  Consideration was given to the details that our older residents consider to be important.
• The newly refurbished communal areas have desktop computers and it was recognised some additional support and training for the residents was needed in this area.

Paul Minyo, Vice Chair of the Sheltered Tenants’ forum and Queenswood Court tenant informed the meeting that:

• The residents were very grateful for the investment made by the Council to improve their homes over the last 2 years and was pleased with the cooperative approach of the review.
• This approach of improving schemes where possible was welcomed as many older residents were more attached to their properties.
• There was clear evidence that the Council listened to the residents which resulted in some of the schemes remaining open.
• Overall those affected were pleased with the approach and the outcome of the review.

The Cabinet Member for Healthier and Stronger Communities, Councillor Jim Dickson, advised the meeting that he was pleased with the way the review was carried out. He noted that a huge amount of work on the specifications and focusing on the best outcomes were the main considerations while working on this review. He further noted some learning points, mainly that people affected should have been informed in a more timely manner whether their scheme was to be closed or not.

Cabinet Members made the following comments:

• The work carried out showed that the Council was responsive to the needs of its residents and that the older persons programme could be tailored to specific requirements if needed.
• The improvements to communal areas was very positive and encouraged more of a community feel.
• The Council needed to explore how the Digibuddies scheme could help train sheltered housing residents in use of the computers provided.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Lib Peck, was pleased with the work on the review and expressed her appreciation to officers and those affected for their positive contributions.

RESOLVED:

1) That the proposed update to the Lambeth Older People’s Housing Programme, including the additional funding requirement be approved.

2) That the sheltered housing schemes at 269 Leigham Court Road (now known as Macintosh Court) and Queenswood Court be retained and improved.