Written evidence submitted by South Kesteven District Council [EXA 109]

In answer to the questions for the Call for Evidence on Exempt Accommodation, please see below:

• Current provision (number of places/bed spaces):

25 bed spaces between 3 separate supported accommodation places in Grantham (none in the rest of the district):

1. Nacro accommodation in Grantham for ex-offenders (8 bed spaces) is used the most by the Council to refer people to. 
2. The Grantham Foyer (11 bed spaces) is for 16 and 17 year olds and we do not directly refer to them. 
3. Advance Housing, Grantham (6 bed spaces) for people with mental ill health and have infrequent vacancies.

• Quality of provision of accommodation:

The quality of the Nacro accommodation for ex-offenders (8 bed spaces) is not good - often has smashed windows/doors hanging off hinges/holes in the walls etc.

• Strengths and weaknesses of current provision:

Strengths of the Nacro accommodation: they are good at finding move on options for people.  The level of communication is to a high standard – if Nacro has any available vacancies now or in the future, they work well with letting the Council know. 

Weaknesses of the Nacro accommodation: the referral system – referrals have to be made via ‘The Avenue’ computer system, which is difficult.  However, Framework who administer ‘The Avenue’, are aware of the challenges and are continuing to improve the system.

• Recommendations on the changes that might be needed to improve the accommodation:

To keep the accommodation to a high standard.  More money needs to be invested into the accommodation to improve it.  More support workers are needed to keep a closer check on the behaviour of the residents.

More supported accommodation which accepts couples is needed.  Also, a supported mother and baby unit in South Kesteven is needed.

February 2022