Vital housing service is under review

SCORES of vulnerable people in the Inverness area are set to lose a lifeline service.

The housing support service provides practical help to people at risk of becoming homeless or struggling to manage their everyday affairs.

But almost 70 long-term clients have received letters from Highland Council saying they will no longer receive it as it is only short-term.

The move has alarmed charities such as New Start Highland and Gateway – previously the Highland Homeless Trust – which are contracted by the council to support clients with tasks such as managing money and helping to keep them safe.

Following urgent representations, the council has agreed to review cases where there would be significant hardship but concerns still remain that more people could become homeless or fall into debt.

Frank Reid (69), of Dalneigh, suffers short-term memory loss and has relied on support from Gateway to maintain the tenancy of a bungalow since losing his wife four years ago. But he has been told he will lose his five hours a week.

"I will be struggling straight away with bills and paperwork without help," he said.

Gerard Macleod, who was previously in prison and has alcohol issues, received four hours each week to maintain a tenancy and manage his finances.

"They stopped it in a heart beat," said Mr Macleod, who suffers anxiety. "I am worried about what will happen."

James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start, described the service as “the unseen glue” making the difference between the risk of tenancy failure, or maintaining a tenancy.

He said the council had agreed to undertake a robust review of those affected.

"They have given me an assurance that after the review if any person will experience significant hardship as a result of support ending, it will be reinstated," he said.

"We are aware of the budgetary challenges which every council faces at this time and we are committed to working in partnership within the resources available to deliver the best services at the best value for every person who needs them in Highland.”

Alex Gilchrist, general manager of Gateway, was concerned about the impact and queried the council's definition of short-term being six months, whereas she felt it was two years.

"We hope to work with Highland Council to look at alternative means of providing support to the most vulnerable clients," she said.

A council spokeswoman said support would usually last about six months although it varied according to individual assessments.

The council budget could support around 500 clients Highland-wide at any time although 625 were currently receiving the service of which 300 had received it for more than six months.

Letters have gone to 69 clients in Inverness this month saying the council intended to end/review their cases.

“The letters offer support from housing officers to anyone who has concerns, and we will review any individual cases where service users or housing support providers are raising specific concerns," she said.

“Where people need longer term specialist services we are committed to working with them to help access the service they need.”