Ulster Unionist Party recognize service provided by the Supporting People Fund

As the Supporting People Programme was addressed in the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Ulster Unionist Party recognised the initiative stating that it had reformed the way housing support services are commissioned and funded.

Speaking in the Chamber Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs congratulated the voluntary section saying: "The Supporting People Grant has given strategic direction, stability and sustainability to housing support in Northern Ireland and this has resulted in immeasurable benefits to vulnerable individuals as well as significant cost benefit to other Government services such as Health provision and the Prison Service."

"The Ulster Unionist Party recognises the current situation of fiscal constraint but we believe that this is one instance of being 'penny wise and pound foolish'.

Supporting People, through strategic housing support, administered by various organisations, improves the quality of life, individual freedom and ability of vulnerable families, children, young people and the elderly to interact with and often reintegrate into the wider community. It is particularly geared towards people who are in danger of becoming homeless."

"This service is crucial for young people who have been in the care system - for young people who have been sexually exploited, have learning disabilities, poor physical or mental health but want to or need to live independently from their parents. For young people who have been through the criminal justice system who need to be integrated back into society this service, and its adaptability to individual need is crucial. The Supporting People Programme currently funds some 900 schemes which support approximately 23,000 service users. "

"I recognise this is a progressive programme that is working and should continue to be allowed to do so. I recognise the financially constrained position the Minister is in but I urge her to give approval for an inflationary uplift for 2008/09. In addition I would urge the Minister to enter into discussions with the Minister for Finance and Personnel with regards at least inflationary increases for the years 2009-2011."

"The Ulster Unionist Party is a party of financial realism. This is being highlighted by the tough decisions that the Minister for Health has to introduce. However, because of this realism we see the long-term financial and the social benefit of this project and we consider that even in this time of financial constraint, this programme is worth sustaining.